Water Conservation Fines Reach SAR 200,000

Updated water efficiency and conservation regulations have introduced maximum fines of up to SAR 200,000 for violations spanning the urban, agricultural, and industrial sectors, as authorities move to curb waste and protect the Kingdom's water resources.

In the urban sector, penalties are tiered by the type of violation. Using non-efficient plumbing fixtures such as mixers, faucets, showers, bidets, and flushing boxes can bring fines of up to SAR 10,000, while tampering with or removing efficient parts of these fixtures carries fines of up to SAR 2,000. Wasting drinking water from underground or overhead tanks due to cracks, poor insulation, malfunctions, or a missing float valve can reach SAR 50,000.

The heaviest urban penalty, up to SAR 200,000, applies to using potable water for non-intended purposes when alternatives such as treated wastewater, the treated water network, or a licensed well are available. Failing to operate a required grey-water station, or using a non-efficient irrigation system in urban settings, each carry fines of up to SAR 100,000. Leaks in irrigation or internal networks, and failing to display water conservation awareness materials in appropriate languages at public facilities, can each result in fines of up to SAR 10,000.

Agricultural and industrial rules

Non-efficient irrigation systems in agriculture can be fined up to SAR 20,000, while non-compliance with industrial water footprint requirements may reach SAR 200,000. Detailed agricultural violations include SAR 1,000 plus mandatory crop removal at the violator's expense for irrigating vegetables or root crops with dual-treated sewage water where edible parts contact the water, SAR 5,000 for non-compliant transport of treated sewage water, SAR 2,000 for damaging a farm's irrigation connection, SAR 50,000 for disposing of raw sewage water in wells, and SAR 25,000 for draining raw sewage water into aquifer outcrop areas, streams, or valleys.

A maximum fine of SAR 200,000 also applies to broader misuse of water and water storage, distribution, and facility infrastructure. For residents, the message is clear: fixing leaks, using efficient fixtures, and avoiding the waste of drinking water are now backed by significant financial penalties.

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