Saudi Code for Water Sources and their Uses.

The Saudi Code for Water Sources and their Use aims to (i) implement integrated water resources management through the implementation of the National Water Strategy 2030 with respect to water resources; (ii) activate mechanisms for allocating water quantities from water sources among different uses in a manner consistent with the objectives of the National Water Strategy 2030, including the sustainability of water resources; (iii) allocate water for different uses efficiently in a way that ensures the conservation, development, protection, and sustainability of water resources; (iv) support the achievement of economic, social, and environmental development through a fair, science-based plan for water resources management and in accordance with international best practices adopted by the State; (v) strengthen the role of data, information, and periodic reports in supporting decision-making; (vi) enhance transparency and public participation in water resources management; (vii) establish mechanisms governing dam safety; (viii) protect strategic groundwater reserves used for drinking water supplies; (ix) promote private sector participation in activities regulated under the system and to strengthen effective governance. The Code applies to all water resources within the State’s land and maritime boundaries, except Zamzam water and related matters, and is binding on all natural and legal persons, with all activities affecting the natural movement of water subject to its provisions as well as to any related regulations, bylaws, and instructions issued by the Ministry. The Code recognizes access to safe drinking water as a fundamental human right and water resources as a protected national asset, to be managed sustainably for current and future generations. It establishes integrated water resources management as the governing framework, allows regulated concessions under strict conditions prioritizing drinking water and strategic reserves, and defines the scope of surface and groundwater. It also requires environmental coordination, limits water use to authorized purposes under national law, and makes all ministerial regulations and updates binding, with full compliance required for all use and possession of water.
The Code establishes Ministry-led, integrated governance of water resources through a structured system of committees, dedicated administration units, and regional bodies responsible for planning, monitoring, and enforcement. It defines water management zones and sets national priorities for allocation, starting with basic human needs and extending to agricultural, industrial, and environmental uses, in line with food security, development, and sustainability goals. It requires the Ministry to implement evidence-based planning, including risk assessment, resource mapping, and long-term strategies such as groundwater regulation, alternative supply development, and feasibility studies for non-traditional sources. The framework also includes strict control of groundwater abstraction and adaptive management of management zones based on changing conditions. Public participation, awareness, and advanced monitoring technologies are integral to implementation, alongside measures such as artificial recharge and emergency supply planning. In crises, the Ministry may restrict non-essential uses, protect strategic reserves, and ensure equitable distribution of water resources across regions.
The Code establishes a comprehensive framework for the protection of water resources, covering groundwater, surface water, rainwater, and dams, with an emphasis on sustainability, pollution prevention, and risk management. It strictly regulates water abstraction through licensing, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms, while prohibiting overuse, contamination, and unregulated activities that could degrade water quantity or quality. The framework prioritizes safeguarding strategic water reserves, ensuring safe drinking water, preventing environmental degradation, and maintaining long-term water security through strict governance, continuous monitoring, and coordinated emergency planning. It also mandates regular and event-based dam safety assessments covering structural, hydrological, and seismic risks, supported by continuous monitoring of operation and maintenance. It also requires authorities to manage flood risks through updated hazard mapping, hydrological studies, early warning systems, and coordinated preparedness plans. Long-term risk reduction is ensured through improved basin planning, land-use controls in flood-prone areas, and maintenance of waterways to protect lives and property. The Code strengthens well protection through mandatory registration, detailed record-keeping, and continuous reporting of well construction, production, and water quality data to a centralized national system. It requires regular monitoring and chemical and biological testing of groundwater. The Ministry is empowered to track, inspect, and regulate well usage, including limiting or stopping extraction when necessary to prevent overuse or protect aquifers. All drilling activities must be formally licensed, documented, and coordinated with the authorities, ensuring full traceability and safeguarding of groundwater resources through strict governance and data-driven management.
The Code regulates (i) the agricultural sector through strict water allocation planning aligned with food security, national water availability, and sustainability goals. It requires the Ministry to identify strategic crops, define irrigation water quotas, and coordinate closely with food security and agricultural authorities to ensure efficient and prioritized water use. It promotes a transition toward water-efficient farming systems and restricts agricultural expansion without prior approval, while also controlling the use of non-renewable water for irrigation and regulating export of water-intensive crops. The framework includes planning for irrigation supply systems, managing drainage and reuse of agricultural return flows, and assessing the feasibility of reusing treated wastewater to improve long-term water sustainability; (ii) the industrial and mining sectors by requiring standardized assessment of water use through guidelines for virtual water content in industrial, commercial, mining, and energy products. It enforces strict environmental safeguards by mandating compliance with environmental regulations and approval of environmental impact studies before licensing any project. It also requires coordinated emergency procedures, equipment, and preventive measures with relevant authorities to protect water resources from pollution, particularly in oil, mining, and industrial incidents; (iii) private sector investment in water management through a national strategy focused on infrastructure, innovation, and efficiency, supported by public–private partnerships and sustainable water practices such as desalination and water harvesting. It promotes “net water positivity” and requires transparent data access and governance frameworks, while ensuring all activities remain subject to strict licensing and regulatory compliance.