Water & Home Services in Saudi Arabia: How to Connect

Oct 20, 2026•4 min read

Getting water and wastewater connected is one of the first practical steps when you move into a new property or complete a build in Saudi Arabia. The good news is that the process is largely digital, the electronic request itself carries no fee, and the system is designed around the actual built-up area of your property rather than the total land size. This guide from سعودي ليفنج walks you through how to apply, what documents you need, how the charges are calculated, and how long it typically takes.

How to apply for a water and wastewater connection

Connections are arranged through the National Water Company's electronic service. When you submit a request, the system creates a dedicated property account, links the property to the water and wastewater networks, and schedules the installation of a water meter.

One important point to plan for: applicants generally need to request both water and wastewater together. The wastewater outlet must be prepared on-site before water can be activated, so make sure your drainage connection is ready to avoid delays.

Documents and requirements

Before you start, gather the property paperwork so the request moves smoothly. In most cases you will need:

Proof of property ownership or the relevant building documents.
The required property details (classification, built-up area, and number of units).
For multi-unit buildings, you can apply using the building permit's total built-up area — you do not need a separate title deed for every individual unit.

Fees: what's free and what's calculated

The electronic request itself is listed at SAR 0, so submitting your application costs nothing. The connection charge, however, is not a single fixed price. It is calculated under the water regulator's approved financial consideration and depends on several factors:

The property classification (residential, commercial, and so on).
The actual built-up area of the property.
The connection diameter.
The number of units.

A key detail worth repeating: fees are based on the actual built-up area, not the total land area. To get an idea of your likely cost before applying, the Saudi Water Authority provides a connection-fee calculator that estimates charges based on building area, sector, and number of units. Always confirm final figures on the official portal, as the exact amount is issued with your invoice.

Timeline and payment

The updated service guide targets completion of a water connection within 30 business days of an approved request. Once your invoice is issued, you pay it through the provider's approved electronic payment channels.

If the amount is significant, installment payment may be available before implementation when approved by the provider — a useful option to ask about if you're managing a larger project budget.

Developers and approved development projects

If you're a developer, connection links inside the property boundary can be coordinated and constructed during the development phase. Where the developer carries out this advance link work, the reported beneficiary charge is SAR 1,000 per metre.

For approved-plan and development-project requests, water and sanitation applications can be processed electronically through the Etmam platform, following its technical integration with the National Water Company. This channel streamlines coordination for larger, plan-based developments rather than single residential units.

Practical tips before you apply

Prepare your wastewater outlet first — water cannot be activated until it's ready.
Use the official connection-fee calculator to budget in advance.
Have your built-up area figure confirmed, since this drives the calculation.
Apply for water and wastewater together to avoid rework.
Keep your invoice reference safe for payment and follow-up.

Note that the available official information does not state a general expiry period for an individual residential connection request, invoice, or approval — but it's always wise to complete payment and implementation promptly once approved. For the most current requirements and fees, confirm details directly on the relevant official Saudi government portal before you begin.

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