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<p>Climate change poses a growing threat to the Souss Massa region in southern Morocco, known for its diverse ecosystems dominated by mountainous terrain. Although the impacts of climate change on arid regions are widely recognized, specific studies investigating its influence on population health are rare. This prospective cross-sectional multicenter study aimed to investigate associations between Traditional Rainwater Harvesting Tank (TRHT) water consumption and health outcomes (gastrointestinal, chronic, dermatological, ophthalmological, oncological, and pregnancy-related morbidities) in rural communities of the Souss-Massa region, southern Morocco. Data were collected from a representative sample of 205 participants at rural health centers using a three-part questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed demographics, Tank’s characteristics, and self-reported health outcomes (gastrointestinal, chronic, dermatological, ophthalmological, oncological, and pregnancy-related morbidities). Of the participants, 130 (63.4%) reported consuming Traditional Rainwater Harvesting Tank’s water. Participants' mean age was 47.8&#xa0;years, and 54% were female. Individual Traditional Rainwater Harvesting Tank s were the primary water source for 80% of participants, comprising 94.6% of the studied TRHTs. Only 9% reported bacteriological monitoring. Consuming Traditional Rainwater Harvesting Tank’s water was significantly associated with increased risk of diarrhea (RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.29–2.36), vomiting (RR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.13–2.21), and diabetes (RR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.02–1.82). Elevated, but not always statistically significant, risks were observed for hypertension (RR = 1.19), heart disease (RR = 2.21), kidney disease (RR = 1.15), and anemia (RR = 1.47). No association was found between TRHT water consumption and pregnancy-related complications. Water disinfection reduced diarrhea risk by 33% (RR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52–0.86, p &lt; 0.001). This study highlights underrecognized health risks of unmonitored TRHT water use in climate-vulnerable arid regions. It underscores the urgency for targeted public health interventions, including regular bacteriological monitoring and water treatment practices, to mitigate risks. Findings suggest that with proper management, TRHTs could remain a viable water source, informing adaptive strategies for arid regions.</p>

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Climate change and water security: health risks associated with rainwater use in Southern Morocco

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月31日

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  • H. Gougueni,
  • R. Boutiti,
  • M. Ait Haddou,
  • R. Amiha,
  • Y. Bouchriti,
  • B. Kabbachi

摘要

Climate change poses a growing threat to the Souss Massa region in southern Morocco, known for its diverse ecosystems dominated by mountainous terrain. Although the impacts of climate change on arid regions are widely recognized, specific studies investigating its influence on population health are rare. This prospective cross-sectional multicenter study aimed to investigate associations between Traditional Rainwater Harvesting Tank (TRHT) water consumption and health outcomes (gastrointestinal, chronic, dermatological, ophthalmological, oncological, and pregnancy-related morbidities) in rural communities of the Souss-Massa region, southern Morocco. Data were collected from a representative sample of 205 participants at rural health centers using a three-part questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed demographics, Tank’s characteristics, and self-reported health outcomes (gastrointestinal, chronic, dermatological, ophthalmological, oncological, and pregnancy-related morbidities). Of the participants, 130 (63.4%) reported consuming Traditional Rainwater Harvesting Tank’s water. Participants' mean age was 47.8 years, and 54% were female. Individual Traditional Rainwater Harvesting Tank s were the primary water source for 80% of participants, comprising 94.6% of the studied TRHTs. Only 9% reported bacteriological monitoring. Consuming Traditional Rainwater Harvesting Tank’s water was significantly associated with increased risk of diarrhea (RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.29–2.36), vomiting (RR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.13–2.21), and diabetes (RR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.02–1.82). Elevated, but not always statistically significant, risks were observed for hypertension (RR = 1.19), heart disease (RR = 2.21), kidney disease (RR = 1.15), and anemia (RR = 1.47). No association was found between TRHT water consumption and pregnancy-related complications. Water disinfection reduced diarrhea risk by 33% (RR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52–0.86, p < 0.001). This study highlights underrecognized health risks of unmonitored TRHT water use in climate-vulnerable arid regions. It underscores the urgency for targeted public health interventions, including regular bacteriological monitoring and water treatment practices, to mitigate risks. Findings suggest that with proper management, TRHTs could remain a viable water source, informing adaptive strategies for arid regions.