Strict penalties for water infrastructure violations, targeting urban, industrial sectors
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In the urban sector, fines include SR10,000 for using inefficient plumbing fixtures such as non-compliant faucets, mixers, showers, bidets, and flushing systems.
In the urban sector, fines include SR10,000 for using inefficient plumbing fixtures such as non-compliant faucets, mixers, showers, bidets, and flushing systems.
Bloomberg/file
Dubai: Saudi Arabia will impose fines of up to 200,000 Saudi riyals for violations related to the misuse of water and water infrastructure, according to new executive regulations issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.
The new regulations, part of the government’s efforts to ensure compliance with national water conservation standards, outline detailed penalties across five key sectors: urban, agricultural, industrial, service, and general violations.
In the urban sector, fines include SR10,000 for using inefficient plumbing fixtures such as non-compliant faucets, mixers, showers, bidets, and flushing systems. Removing or tampering with the efficiency components of these fixtures can incur a penalty of SR2,000. Water wastage due to cracks in storage tanks, insulation issues, or faulty float valves can lead to fines of up to SR50,000.
The most severe urban violation—using a drinking water tank for unintended purposes when alternative sources like treated wastewater or licensed wells are available—could result in the maximum fine of SR200,000.
Other infractions in the urban sector include SR100,000 for failing to operate a grey water station in qualifying buildings or complexes, SR100,000 for using inefficient irrigation systems, and SR10,000 for leaking irrigation or internal water networks. Facilities that fail to display water conservation awareness materials in languages appropriate to their users could face SR10,000 fines.
General violations
The agricultural and industrial sectors are also under stricter scrutiny. Violations such as failure to comply with water licensing conditions in agriculture can attract fines of up to SR100,000, while not using efficient irrigation tools and techniques may incur SR20,000 penalties. In the industrial sector, failure to adhere to the designated water footprint allocations for industrial products can result in fines of up to SR200,000.
General violations, including failing to provide required data to the National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation, can result in fines up to SR5,000. Breaching technical regulations and obstructing inspectors from carrying out their duties could lead to penalties ranging from SR50,000 to SR100,000.
Service providers are not exempt from accountability. Failure to implement assessment models and verification methods related to water efficiency in urban, industrial, and agricultural sectors could draw fines up to SR200,000. Additional violations include neglecting to submit mandatory reports or operating without a license, each punishable by up to SR5,000.
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