The National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation (Ma'i) announced the commencement of the new licensing regulations governing the work of water efficiency and conservation service providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This significant regulatory step follows the expiration of the stipulated period for its implementation and is a pivotal component of national efforts to enhance water sustainability and achieve the ambitious goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
General context: Addressing the challenges of water scarcity
Saudi Arabia is among the world's countries facing the greatest water scarcity challenges, relying heavily on seawater desalination, a costly and energy-intensive process, in addition to its dependence on non-renewable groundwater. With population growth and economic expansion, rationalizing consumption and improving water use efficiency has become a strategic necessity, not an option. It is with this in mind that the "My Water" Center was established as the regulatory and supervisory body responsible for setting policies and standards that ensure the Kingdom's long-term water security.
Details of the regulations and its main activities
The new regulations aim to organize the water efficiency services market in three vital sectors: urban, agricultural, and industrial. This is achieved by establishing a clear legal framework that defines the responsibilities of service providers and practitioners, as well as oversight mechanisms, thereby ensuring the quality of services provided and protecting the rights of beneficiaries. The Water Center has identified four key activities that require official licensing:
- Water usage auditing services: Analyzing and evaluating current consumption patterns to identify areas of waste.
- Measurement and verification of water savings: Application of approved protocols to measure the amount of water saved after the application of conservation solutions.
- Leak detection and repair services: Using advanced technologies to identify and repair leaks in water networks.
- Water efficiency project management: Designing and implementing integrated solutions and projects to improve consumption efficiency.
Engineer Fahad Al-Dosari, CEO of the “Ma’i” Center, pointed out that the regulations include granting eight different types of licenses, which allows for greater specialization in the market and enables individuals and institutions to obtain a certified “Ma’i Auditor” license.
Importance and expected impact
At the local level, this regulation is expected to bring about a qualitative shift in the water services sector, leading to increased professionalism and quality, and creating a well-organized and attractive job market for national talent. It will also contribute to reducing high consumption rates, thus alleviating pressure on water resources and lowering water bills for consumers and businesses. Regionally, this step represents a pioneering model that can be emulated by Gulf countries and the wider region facing similar water challenges. Internationally, these measures reinforce the Kingdom's position as a responsible nation committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and access to water and sanitation for all.
