This paper is a descriptive study related as a narrative story, highlighting the present situation of water problems in North Africa, including drought, food security, pollution, mismanagement and shortage of skilled and technical personnel. International indicators show that water scarcity can prevail in countries where water use exceeds 40 per cent of the available water resources. All the countries of the region, except Algeria, are in this situation. Under these conditions, alternative sources have to be developed and urgent attention must be given to the intensive management of the resources and the demands made on it. The development of a North Africa water vision 2025 could be proposed. Its main objectives could be (i) to enhance water use and management for the sustainability of food production and (ii) to build capacities on integrated water resources management for the social and economic good as provided by the Dublin-Rio principles.