Cabinet Resolution No. 918 dated 7 May 2024 approving Organizational arrangements for the Saudi Water Authority.

This Resolution consisting of 15 articles reorganizes the water sector in Saudi Arabia through the following (i) transforming the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) into the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), which will regulate water services; (ii) approving the Organizational arrangements governing SWA, replacing the previous SWCC Regulations (attached in the text); (iii) replacing the SWCC's legal framework established by Royal Decree No. M/49 (1974); (iv) renaming the Electricity and Water Regulatory Authority in Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority and amending its organization, issued by Cabinet Resolution No. 263 of 2022 removing references to water services.
The Organizational arrangements of the Saudi Water Authority consist of 15 articles. The Authority undertakes the following actions (i) Establishing standards, procedures, and models relevant to its expertise; (ii) Developing policies, plans, programs, and initiatives for the water sector; (iii) Setting licensing controls and requirements for regulated activities; (iv) Standardizing technical and engineering standards within its domain; (v) Proposing new regulations and amendments to existing ones; (vi) Managing and planning infrastructure needs for water projects; (vii) Overseeing capital portfolio planning and providing strategic solutions; (viii) Calculating revenue deficits based on approved tariffs; (ix) Localizing industry and services within its sector; (x) Approving costs and pricing structures for water services; (xi) Establishing a regulatory framework to ensure quality and affordability; (xii) Supervising and monitoring water quality and operational assets; (xiii) Approving technical specifications for service providers’ assets. (xiv) Forming agreements and MoUs with relevant authorities locally and internationally; (xv) Conducting research and studies in its field; (xvi) Collaborating with research centers and think tanks at all levels; (xvii) Providing services, activities, or initiatives within its domain; (xviii) Issuing licenses and permits for water services; (xix) Monitoring service providers in the water sector; (xx) Overseeing environmental, social, and governance compliance; (xxi) Receiving and addressing sector-related complaints; (xxii) Promoting an investment-friendly environment for the industry; (xxiii) Expanding consumer access to water services, especially in unserved areas; (xxiv) Ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient water supplies; (xxv) Protecting consumer, investor, and service provider rights; (xxvi) Supporting capacity building through training and development programs. The Board of Directors oversees the Authority’s management, approving policies, regulations, budgets, and licensing while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. It manages financial matters, service provision, agreements, and real estate transactions.