Saudi water efficiency and conservation regulations to take effect March 2027

Updated executive regulations for monitoring and compliance with water efficiency and conservation standards in Saudi Arabia will come into effect on March 21, 2027, as part of efforts to regulate the application of these standards across the urban, agricultural, and industrial sectors.

Fahad bin Howeizi Al-Dosari, CEO of the National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation (Maaei), said the regulations represent a key step to enhance oversight, compliance, and improved water use efficiency, supporting the Kingdom's water sustainability goals.

Al-Dosari explained that the regulations provide a clear framework for monitoring and compliance with water efficiency standards, outlining roles, responsibilities, monitoring mechanisms, and referral procedures to strengthen the center’s oversight and coordination with relevant entities.

He added, “Improving water use efficiency goes beyond setting standards; it requires a clear system to ensure compliance and follow-up, which the regulations reinforce by organizing roles, procedures, and activating oversight. This will help reduce water loss and maximize the impact of efficiency and conservation efforts across all targeted sectors.”

The regulations apply to the urban, agricultural, and industrial sectors, as well as water efficiency and conservation service providers, aiming to unify oversight procedures and ensure best practices for sustainable water use nationwide.

The regulations consist of 15 articles covering the scope of application, compliance standards, the roles and responsibilities of the center and related entities, as well as violations, monitoring and referral mechanisms, and final provisions.

Al-Dosari noted that the next phase will focus on preparing all groups covered by the regulations ahead of their implementation, supporting compliance and coordination between the center and relevant authorities to achieve a more effective water efficiency and conservation system.

The Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture approved the updated executive regulations for monitoring and compliance with water efficiency and conservation standards on September 4, 2026 (19/02/1448H). The regulations apply to all natural and legal persons in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, for the purpose of monitoring compliance with water efficiency and conservation standards in the urban, agricultural, and industrial sectors.