Water resources in Saudi Arabia: a shared responsibility for sustainable management

Water is a vital resource that underpins public health, economic growth, and environmental resilience. In Saudi Arabia, scarce freshwater and growing demand make its management a national imperative amid rapid urban growth and reliance on desalination. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) is addressing these challenges through its National Water Strategy 2030, which aims to ensure security, manage demand, and promote sustainable use. Current consumption averages 263 litres per person per day, with a target to reduce it by 43% to 150 litres through water-efficient designs and encouraging responsible habits.

Despite these efforts, water challenges in the Kingdom remain complex. Scarce rainfall and limited surface water make the country heavily reliant on desalination and groundwater, both costly in energy and environmental impact. Overconsumption and underuse of alternatives further compound the issue, highlighting the need for integrated, efficient, and sustainable water management.

Low-flow fixtures and smart irrigation

Reducing water consumption at the point of use is one of the most effective strategies for achieving water efficiency. The installation of low-flow fixtures, including WaterSense - labelled faucets, showerheads, and toilets, can significantly reduce indoor water use without compromising performance. Outdoors, smart irrigation practices such as drip irrigation, xeriscaping, and the use of native or drought-tolerant plants can substantially lower landscape water demand. These measures are applicable at both the building and infrastructure levels and represent essential components of sustainable development across residential, commercial, and public sectors. 

Responsible and efficient water treatment practices

In both building-scale and municipal applications, treatment systems are often overdesigned or misaligned with actual water quality requirements, resulting in wasted water and energy. Designers should assess incoming water and end-use requirements to select the most appropriate technologies. While reverse osmosis (RO) is common, it isn’t always necessary and can be resource-intensive. Alternatives like nanofiltration and other membranes can provide similar quality with lower environmental impact. Offering multiple treatment options to clients early enables informed, sustainable, and cost-effective decisions. 

Greywater reuse in buildings

Greywater reuse presents a valuable opportunity to reduce potable water demand within buildings. Water generated from showers, hand basins and laundry can be treated on-site and reused for non-potable applications such as toilet flushing and irrigation. Integrating greywater systems into building design not only conserves potable water but also reduces the load on municipal sewage networks. When implemented at scale, greywater reuse contributes to a more resilient and circular water economy, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader sustainability goals. 

Stormwater run-off harvesting

Although rainfall is limited in Saudi Arabia, stormwater harvesting is an underutilised strategy in urban areas. Seasonal storms generate significant runoff from rooftops and paved surfaces, which can be captured via green infrastructure such as bioswales, retention ponds, and green roofs to mitigate flooding, recharge groundwater, and support irrigation. This approach mimics natural hydrology, providing a sustainable water source where greywater or treated effluent is unavailable, turning rainfall from a hazard into a resource, and enhancing urban climate resilience.

Treated sewage effluent (TSE) for irrigation

Treated sewage effluent (TSE) is a reliable, climate-resilient water source for irrigation, landscaping, and industrial use. While reuse remains limited in Saudi Arabia, projects such as Diriyah and King Salman Park have already demonstrated large-scale potential. Expanding TSE networks and integrating natural treatment technologies can reduce potable water demand, enhance water security, and advance the Kingdom’s sustainability goals.

Integrated efforts for a sustainable future

Achieving water sustainability in Saudi Arabia requires coordinated action across all sectors. Individuals must adopt conservation practices in their daily lives. Designers must integrate regenerative and efficient systems into their projects. Municipalities must invest in resilient infrastructure. Government agencies must enforce robust policies and support innovation. Through effective planning, responsible implementation, and a shared commitment to sustainability, Saudi Arabia can overcome its current water challenges and pave the way for a greener, more resilient future.