The "Société Nationale d'Exploitation et de Distribution des Eaux" /SONEDE (National Water Distribution Utility) was created by the law No. 68-22 of July, 2nd 1968. It is under the supervision of the "Ministère de l'Agriculture et des Ressources Hydrauliques" (Ministry of Agriculture and Hydraulic Resources). It is a public entreprise of a non administrative nature.

SONEDE's object is to supply all the country with drinking water. It is entrusted with the exploitation, maintenance and renewal of facilities for water capture, transportation, treatment and distribution.