RIYADH — The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has approved the updated executive regulations for monitoring and compliance with water efficiency and conservation standards. The regulations authorize the National Water Efficiency and Conservation Center to investigate and address violations and apply the regulations across the urban, agricultural, and industrial sectors. The updated regulations will take effect on March 21, 2027. Using non-efficient sanitary fixtures constitutes a violation in the urban sector, with a fine of SR1,000 for the first offense, SR2,000 for the second, and SR10,000 for the third time offence. Tampering with or removing the water-efficient component of a sanitary fixture is also considered a violation, carrying a fine of SR500for the first offense, SR1,000for the second, and SR2,000 for the third time offense. The regulations also cover violations involving the wastage of drinking water from underground or overhead tanks due to cracks in the tank structure, inadequate insulation, malfunction, or the absence of a float valve. The fine for this violation is SR5,000 for the first offense, SR10,000for the second, and SR50,000for the third. The regulations further stipulate that using drinking water for purposes other than those for which it is intended, when alternative sources such as treated wastewater, a treated water network, or a licensed well are available, constitutes a violation. The fine is SR25,000 for the first offense and SR200,000 for the second or third offense.
