Water is drawn from wells since no surface water is to be found. Sunken dams of imposing size were built to preserve the humidity of the soil by intercepting the underground microflow. This makes it possible to maintain the moisture of the soil of the palm grove. The main water resource comes from the flooding of the M'zab wadi that occurs every three to ten years. The entire valley is organised in view of this event.
Large sluices intercept the flow and direct it towards the tilled fields.
The narrow streets enclosed between the high walls which surround the gardens are filled with torrents of precious water. Niches built into the walls absorb the quantity of water needed for each garden while other small canals, bridges and basins ensure the irrigation of orchards and vegetable garden. The water patterns decorating vases, women's hairstyle and carpets specially made for weddings are a symbolic expression of good wishes. The water that makes the fields green is shared out among the estates and water rights are handed down by inheritance. It is the life-blood of a fertile union, that founds the family and perpetuates the community.