Saudi Arabia has approved tougher water conservation rules that introduce fines of up to SR200,000 for serious water misuse and efficiency violations across the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture approved the updated regulations, which cover the urban, agricultural and industrial sectors. The National Water Efficiency and Conservation Center will investigate violations, conduct compliance checks and enforce the new standards.
The regulations will take effect on March 21, 2027, giving residents, property owners and businesses time to bring water systems and equipment into compliance.
Under the new rules, urban properties that use sanitary fixtures without approved water-efficiency standards can face fines of SR1,000 for a first violation, SR2,000 for a second and SR10,000 for a third.
Authorities will also penalize people who tamper with or remove water-saving components from sanitary fixtures. Those violations carry fines of SR500, SR1,000 and SR2,000 for successive offences.
The rules impose heavier penalties for drinking-water losses from defective storage tanks. Cracks, poor insulation, faulty equipment or missing float valves can trigger fines of SR5,000 for a first offence, SR10,000 for a second and SR50,000 for a third.
The highest penalties target the misuse of drinking water when an alternative supply exists. Using potable water for an unsuitable purpose despite access to treated wastewater, a treated-water network or a licensed well can draw a SR25,000 fine for a first offence. A second or third violation can reach SR200,000.
The measures form part of Saudi Arabia’s wider effort to reduce water waste and improve efficiency as the Kingdom prepares for 2027, which it has designated the Year of Water.