In a decisive step to enhance environmental sustainability and water security, the Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, issued a ministerial decree mandating a comprehensive update of the technical standards and specifications for treated wastewater. This decree is accompanied by a stern warning to non-compliant facilities, imposing hefty fines of up to 600,000 riyals on those who tamper with water treatment systems or use untreated water, in accordance with the Water Law and its implementing regulations.
Strategic context within Vision 2030
This increased oversight is an integral part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to address water scarcity challenges. Due to its geographical location, Saudi Arabia is among the world’s most water-scarce countries, leading it to rely heavily on seawater desalination for decades. With the launch of Vision 2030, the focus has shifted towards diversifying water sources and enhancing water use efficiency. Recycling and treating wastewater to high quality standards is a cornerstone of this strategy, aiming to transform it from an environmental burden into a strategic and sustainable water resource that can be relied upon in vital sectors such as agricultural irrigation, industrial cooling, and urban green spaces.
The importance of the decision and its expected impact
The decision is expected to have multiple positive impacts, both locally and environmentally. Locally, it directly contributes to protecting public health by preventing the use of contaminated water that could transmit diseases and epidemics, especially if used for irrigating crops. Environmentally, the decision will reduce groundwater and soil pollution, a serious problem resulting from the indiscriminate discharge of untreated wastewater. Furthermore, improving the quality of treated water opens up new economic opportunities and reduces pressure on scarce freshwater resources.
Details of the decision and official warnings
Engineer Waleed Al-Daghis, Director General of the Ministry's branch in the Makkah region, emphasized the mandatory and immediate compliance of all entities and facilities with the updated regulations and requirements. He stressed that the use of untreated wastewater is a serious violation that threatens public safety and warrants the application of the strictest legal penalties. He explained that the updated standards aim to maximize the safe use of treated water, in line with the goals of Vision 2030 to preserve natural resources. The Ministry called on all concerned parties to review the new regulations through the "Istilaa" platform to ensure compliance and avoid violations, and affirmed the continuation of intensive inspection tours to ensure the strict implementation of the decision and to monitor any violations.
