Saudi Arabia has announced a new set of executive regulations aimed at promoting water efficiency and rationalization, which impose a maximum fine of SR200,000 for violations related to the misuse of water and the improper management of water distribution and storage facilities.

These regulations were issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and affect five primary sectors: urban, agricultural, industrial, service, and general violations.

In the urban sector, fines are applied to a range of infractions.

For instance, the use of non-efficient plumbing fixtures such as mixers, faucets, showers, bidets, and flushing boxes can incur a penalty of SR10,000.

Additionally, tampering with or removing the efficient parts of fixtures may result in fines of SR2,000.

Penalties for wasting drinking water from underground or overhead tanks due to issues like cracks or malfunctions can reach up to SR50,000.

For using tanks for unauthorized purposes when alternative water sources are available, violators may face the maximum fine of SR200,000.

Furthermore, penalties extend to failing to operate a grey water station in eligible buildings and complexes, with fines reaching SR100,000.

The use of non-efficient irrigation systems can also attract fines up to SR100,000.

Discovering leaks in irrigation or internal water networks may result in penalties of up to SR10,000, and the absence of persuasive water conservation awareness materials in public facilities can lead to additional fines of up to SR10,000.

In the agricultural sector, violations such as non-compliance with water licensing requirements can result in fines up to SR100,000, while the failure to utilize efficient irrigation tools and techniques may incur penalties of up to SR20,000.

Industrial sector violations include failing to adhere to allocated water footprints, which can result in fines reaching the maximum of SR200,000, as stipulated by decisions regarding the allocation of water footprints to industrial products.

General violations encompass various infractions, including the failure to provide the National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation with relevant information, incurring a penalty of up to SR5,000.

Violating technical regulations, standards, and procedures issued by the center could lead to fines up to SR50,000.

Additionally, obstructing inspectors during their duties may also result in penalties up to SR100,000.

Service providers face their own set of penalties; for failing to comply with established models and methods for urban, industrial, and agricultural water management, fines can reach up to SR200,000.

Noncompliance with the application of sanitary tools verification standards set by competent authorities may also incur similar fines.

Lastly, failing to submit required reports according to the center’s guidelines can attract additional fines of up to SR5,000.

Engaging in water efficiency and rationalization activities without a proper license from the center can also result in fines of up to SR5,000.