1.1.1 This edition is known as the 'Saudi Code for Water Resources and Their Uses' and is referred to as the 'Code'.

1.1.2 This document is not to be circulated or published in any form by any party outside the Ministry without prior written permission from the authorized person.

1.1.3 This document is published after approval in the official gazette and on the official website of the Ministry.

1.1.4 The Ministry's Water Agency is responsible for periodically reviewing this document and updating it every five Gregorian years.

1.1.5 Without prejudice to the rights of the relevant authorities to perform their tasks and specializations according to their regulations, the Ministry is responsible for following up on the application of the Code and monitoring it.

1.1.6 This Code pertains to traditional water sources, which include surface water (including seawater before desalination processes), groundwater (renewable and non-renewable), and rainwater, and these sources are referred to in the Code as (water sources).

3.1 Objectives of the Code

3.1.1 This code aims to implement integrated water resources management by activating the National Water Strategy 2030 concerning water resources.

3.1.2 Activate mechanisms for allocating water quantities from sources for different uses in line with the objectives of the National Water Strategy 2030, including the sustainability of resources.

3.1.3 Allocate water for different uses efficiently to ensure the preservation, development, protection, and sustainability of resources.

3.1.4 Support the achievement of economic, social, and environmental development according to a fair scientific plan for managing water resources and according to the best global practices approved by the state.

3.1.5 Enhance the role of data, information, and periodic reports in decision-making.

3.1.6 Enhance transparency and community involvement in water resources management.

3.1.7 Establish regulatory mechanisms for dam safety.

3.1.8 Protect the strategic groundwater reserve for drinking water.

3.1.9 Enhance private sector participation in activities subject to the law and enhance effective governance.

3.2 Scope of Application of the Code

3.2.1 The provisions of this code apply to water resources within the entire geographical scope extending to the state's land and maritime boundaries, except for Zamzam water and related matters.

3.2.2 No person, whether natural or legal, may be exempted from complying with the provisions of this code.

3.2.3 All activities affecting the natural movement of water are subject to the provisions of this code and all related systems, regulations, and instructions issued by the ministry.

3.3 Activation of Code Application

3.3.1 The ministry is responsible for activating and applying this code, updating it if necessary, and coordinating with ministries, agencies, private sectors, individuals, and relevant entities. The ministry is also responsible for supervision, monitoring, inspection, licensing, and all matters related to implementing the provisions of this code without conflicting with the systems and regulations issued by the ministry, other ministries, and environmental centers. The ministry coordinates this according to the regulatory situation.

3.3.2 Except for the powers granted to the minister in the Water Law, the Deputy Minister for Water is granted all the powers stipulated for the ministry in the provisions of the code.

3.3.3 The ministry involves Saudi experts with specialization in water fields and related areas, training them on the application of the Saudi Code for Water Resources and its uses to activate water resources management.

3.3.4 All inspection operations stipulated in this code are subject to the supervision of the Saudi Accreditation Center, which is responsible for accrediting inspection bodies authorized to implement the requirements of this document.

3.3.5 The ministry determines areas for managing water resources called (Water Resources Management Zones) and redefines the boundaries of these zones based on the following:

• A- Areas of need and use of water resources.

• B- Similarity of the natural properties of the surface and subsurface of the land.

• C- Achieving efficiency and effectiveness in water resources management.

3.3.6 The geographical boundaries of the Water Resources Management Zones, in the initial phase and when applying this code, match the geographical boundaries of the administrative division of the state's regions. Technical evaluation studies related to this code may extend beyond these zones and are called (Initial Water Resources Management Zones).

3.3.7 The ministry forms the (Supervisory Committee for Monitoring the Application of the Saudi Code for Water Resources and its Uses), referred to in this code as the (Supervisory Committee). The committee supervises the development and monitoring of the code's indicators, submits its work reports to the minister, and holds its meetings at least twice a year to review the stages of code implementation, coinciding with the code's issuance date.

3.3.8 The Supervisory Committee for Monitoring the Application of the Code is formed as follows:

• A- Deputy Minister for Water (Chairman).

• B- Three members from the Ministry's Water Agency.

• C- An expert in water resources and a deputy.

• D- A member from the Ministry's Environment Agency.

• E- A member from the Saudi Water Authority.

The committee may recommend to the competent authority the formation of a national committee to monitor the implementation of the code's provisions, with members from the same entities included in the ministerial committee according to the Water Law. Additionally, it can propose the formation of a national committee for dam safety.

3.3.9 The ministry forms the (Technical Committee for the Application of the Water Resources Code), referred to in this code as the (Technical Committee), to monitor and supervise practices related to the code's application. Its tasks include:

• - Developing code indicators and analyzing water status reports.

• - Owning and using technical equipment to conduct field tests and ensure water condition and quality.

• - Coordinating with relevant entities engaged in activities that may affect the quality, quantities, and formations of groundwater, such as the use of seawater and groundwater in enhanced oil recovery operations and carbon dioxide injection projects underground.

3.3.10 The Technical Committee includes experts in water resources and management, legal experts, and other specialties deemed necessary by the ministry. The committee may seek assistance from individuals within or outside the ministry, including companies, universities, research centers, and any other local entities approved by the ministry. The specialties included in the Technical Committee are:

• A- Experts in groundwater.

• B- Experts in surface water.

• C- Experts in water resources development.

• D- Experts in resource sustainability.

• E- Experts in water treatment.

• F- Experts in integrated water resources management.

• G- Experts in water policies and regulation.

• H- Legal experts.

• I- Environmental experts.

3.3.11 The ministry establishes the "Saudi Water Resources Code Management" within its structure, referred to in this code as (Code Management), headquartered at the ministry. All code units are administratively linked to it, and it follows up on the work of all code units and submits their reports to the Technical Committee.

3.3.12 The ministry establishes for each administrative region a (Unit for Monitoring the Application of the Saudi Water Resources Code in the Region ... "name of the region is mentioned") referred to as (Code Unit). The unit activates and monitors the application of the code's provisions within the limits of this administrative region, coordinates with the ministry's branches in this regard, and follows up on any additional scopes assigned to it for water resources management. The Code Management may seek assistance from whomever it deems necessary to achieve this.

3.3.13 The ministry determines the rainy season for each administrative scope in the state, specifying start and end dates. Based on this, necessary procedures are taken for all monitoring activities and the preparation of annual reports according to this annual cycle.

3.3.14 The Supervisory Committee for Monitoring the Application of the Code determines the minimum amount of water resources that must be maintained for each administrative scope in the state to meet human needs in both normal and emergency situations. This determination must align with the approved supply and demand plan and emergency plans.

3.3.15 The Supervisory Committee for Monitoring the Application of the Code determines the priorities for different water uses, including urban, agricultural, urban planning, and industrial uses, in detail, in line with food security plans and economic activity priorities, while ensuring environmental balance.

3.3.16 The Technical Committee submits its reports to the Supervisory Committee based on the periodic reports prepared by the Code Management.

3.3.17 The Technical Committee, through the work of the Code Management, conducts an annual inventory of challenges related to water resources and refers them as research topics to academic institutions and research centers to contribute to finding solutions.

3.3.18 To achieve the desired objectives, each Code Unit is supported by the following human resources:

• A- Specialists in groundwater resources.

• B- Specialists in surface water resources.

• C- Specialists in calibrating and operating devices for monitoring groundwater and surface water resources and collecting their data.

• D- Legal specialists to carry out necessary legal work.

• E- Specialists in other fields deemed necessary by the ministry to conduct work and apply the code.

• F- Specialists in environmental sciences.

4.1 General Principles

4.1.1 Every person in the Kingdom has the right to access clean and safe water for drinking and direct human use, at a reasonable cost. This is a human right protected by the state under Islamic law and is in agreement with United Nations resolutions. The Ministry allocates appropriate quantities of water sources as a strategic reserve for future generations, estimated by scientific methods, and protected in accordance with the provisions of this code.

4.1.2 All water sources are considered a national wealth. The code outlines the means of exploiting, protecting, and developing this wealth, without conflicting with any issued laws and regulations, and in the interest of the state, its security, and economy.

4.1.3 The right to use some water sources may be granted as a concession, to regulate and rationalize usage. This is done in coordination with the Saudi Irrigation Organization, ensuring the sustainability of sources and economic, human, and environmental growth, without affecting drinking water sources and their natural strategic reserve for future generations.

4.1.4 Groundwater includes all water beneath the earth's surface across its entire geographical extent and depths within the state and its maritime boundaries.

4.1.5 The boundaries of surface water are determined by the highest level reached by the water at its peak, and the source's sanctuary is considered part of it and one of its components.

4.1.6 Under the provisions of this code, all conditions and regulations regarding the use of surface, groundwater, and rainwater, and the mechanisms for obtaining licenses and classifying violations as stated in their documents and specific regulations issued by the Ministry previously, or to be issued in the future, apply. The Ministry must update and develop these conditions and regulations whenever necessary and include them in the code's annexes.

4.1.7 Work on environmental water bodies is carried out in an integrated manner with the entities concerned with the environment to ensure their protection and sustainability, achieving social, environmental, and economic value. They are considered a natural national capital, and their value is estimated based on data related to global scientific practices.

4.1.8 The integrated management of water sources, characterized by comprehensiveness and flexibility, is a global practice endorsed by the national water strategy 2030 of the state. This management represents the governing framework in this code, and its approach is applied in accordance with the natural characteristics of water sources, the organizational structure in the state, and national strategies.

4.1.9 No individual or entity may use water from its sources except for beneficial and specified uses in the Water Law, its executive regulations, and the provisions of this code.

4.1.10 Electronic messages, emails, and what is published through social media are considered official binding notifications to the user as determined by the Ministry for managing water sources in the state.

4.1.11 Water possession is not allowed except as permitted by the provisions of the code and the conditions and regulations issued by the Ministry.

5.1 Ownership of Traditional Water Sources

5.1.1 All water resources deposited by God in the earth's interior, on its surface, in territorial waters, or in the land and sea areas under the state's jurisdiction, and all resources of these wealth; are owned by the state, in accordance with the Water Law and its executive regulations.

5.1.2 The ministry, in coordination with relevant entities, determines the boundaries of the state-owned water sources, such as: valleys, watercourses, sabkhas, ponds, lakes, swamps, wetlands, and their sanctuaries, based on the highest possible water level on their banks.

5.1.3 In the absence of completed works on the boundaries of water sources, reliance is placed on field surveys and available maps to determine the natural boundaries of valleys, watercourses, sabkhas, ponds, lakes, swamps, wetlands, and their sanctuaries, and these areas are subject to approved protection regulations until their final and official determination is approved.

5.1.4 Infrastructure established on valleys and within the boundaries of water sources, such as water barriers and embankments built on public properties designated for the use or harvesting of surface water, are owned by the state.

5.1.5 Except for private properties, rainwater falling on the state's land within its land boundaries is considered part of the state-owned surface water sources.

5.1.6 In the event of any change in the natural course of valleys, or the formation of sabkhas, ponds, lakes, swamps, basins, overflows, or new wetlands, whether due to natural factors or human intervention; they are included with their banks and sanctuaries as part of the surface water sources.

5.1.7 The state may grant private ownership of water sources through licenses and usage permits, and the water is not considered owned by the licensee or permit holder until it is raised to the surface from the underground source or transported from its surface source to his possession.

5.1.8 Users of groundwater sources are prohibited from claiming ownership of the water in the aquifers, regardless of the land areas they own that contain these sources.

5.1.9 The ministry has the right to use private properties to build facilities for protection against flood risks in coordination with the owner or by expropriation for the public interest in accordance with state regulations.

5.2 Utilization and Rights of Use of Water Sources

5.2.1 Without prejudice to what is stated in other regulations, the utilization of water sources is according to what is stated in the code, related regulations, and according to the conditions and regulations issued by the ministry.

5.2.2 Any citizen has the right to collect rainwater falling on the roofs of his private facility and benefit from it.

5.2.3 Holders of established rights on any water source have the right to use the water under an annual license that specifies the amount of water allocated to each of them according to the availability of water in that source.

5.2.4 The licensee is obligated not to use groundwater for purposes other than that for which the drilling license was granted, except after obtaining the ministry's approval.

5.2.5 The ministry, in coordination with the authority, when necessary, and within a period specified by the ministry's regulations, undertakes the acceptance of transferring the source usage license from one user to another, if the activity established on the source is licensed to provide the service.

5.2.6 Upon the transfer of ownership of land containing a water source, the license does not transfer with the land to the new owner, and for its transfer, it is necessary to review the ministry, fulfill the requirements, and eliminate the obstacles, and submit the approved form for the request to dispose of the source.

5.2.7 The ministry, by decision of the ministerial committee and based on the minister's proposal, has the right to prohibit the use of one or more water sources in specific areas, for the purposes of ensuring the availability of water reserves and enhancing strategic storage, and it also has the right to lift the prohibition on those sources and compensate the holders of usage licenses according to what is determined by the ministry's regulations, while considering the protection of investors' rights in any projects. In the event that there is a licensed activity by the authority established on the source, the ministry coordinates with the authority within a period specified by the ministry's regulations before taking any action in this regard.

5.2.8 The ministry has the right not to grant new licenses to exploit a water source in areas where this source is classified as in a critical condition, and to limit the granting of usage licenses for drinking water in the absence of an alternative to provide drinking water in these areas.

5.2.9 The ministry has the right to withdraw the usage license for a well or wells of anyone using groundwater sources to create ornamental or tourist lakes or ponds, and the user is obligated to fill the source well.

5.2.10 The minister has the right to suspend any source usage license, or reduce the quantities specified in it; for reasons of water scarcity, or shortage, or the unsuitability of the water for its designated use, or for any reason related to water, food, or environmental security, or public health. In the event that there is a licensed service provision activity by the regulator established on the source; the ministry coordinates with the authority within a year before taking any action in this regard.

5.2.11 The ministry has the right to cancel, suspend, or reduce the limited quantity of water source licenses in the following cases:

• A- In the event that reasons related to water scarcity, shortage, or reasons related to water, environmental, or public health security, or due to emergency climatic and natural reasons arise.

• B- In the event that the licensee engages in an activity that leads to water pollution or violates any condition of the license requirements.

8.1 Monitoring of Groundwater and Quality

8.1.1 All basic data and information related to water sources are considered state property, subject to protection, and may not be used or exploited except under the provisions of relevant laws.

8.1.2 The relevant department in the Ministry is responsible for collecting all data, reports, and studies, archiving them, and ensuring their update, to ensure the availability of all data related to this matter; to make appropriate decisions, develop work, update it, and ensure its quality.

8.1.3 The Ministry, in coordination with the relevant authorities, monitors and protects water environmental systems, including ensuring data integration, maintenance of infrastructure, facilities, and related devices.

8.1.4 The Ministry establishes a database that includes all users of water sources, including approved contact numbers for source users, and the database must allow users to enter the required periodic data.

8.1.5 A computer terminal is established in each branch of the Ministry linked to the Ministry's database, through which data related to the management of water sources and the application of the code are entered.

8.1.6 The Ministry prepares a digital database that collects all technical data related to dams and their reservoirs, including the following:

• A- The area of the dam's hydrological basin.

• B- The coefficients related to the hydrological basin.

• C- Rainfall rates in the dam's hydrological basin.

• D- The amount of inflow to the dam.

• E- The sediment ratio in the flow.

• F- The water level in the dam.

• G- The area covered by water.

• H- The volume of water in the dam.

• I- Water loss through evaporation.

• J- Discharge volume.

• K- Water level in monitoring wells below the dam.

8.1.7 When conducting climatic and rainfall studies, rainfall data is analyzed through:

• A- Collecting measurements of rainfall amounts in approved units from all available sources affiliated with: the Ministry, the National Center for Meteorology, and relevant authorities.

• B- Analyzing the quality of rainfall station data, including the analysis results in the hydrological study report, correcting errors and missing data, and having the results approved by the Ministry.

• C- If the error rate in measurements related to rainfall amounts within the water drainage basin exceeds (10%), or if there is an insufficient number of rainfall stations, estimated rainfall data from satellites may be used, provided they are calibrated and corrected before being approved in the hydrological study.

• D- Using scientifically approved calculation methods locally and globally to determine the measurements to be adopted in any design, extracting rainfall storms that will recur every (5, 10, 25, 50, 100 years), and including the results of those methods in the reports.

• E- Calculating the values of rainfall amounts for each drainage basin through applying approximate analysis methods for rainfall depth using statistical and direct calculations.

• F- Calculating rainfall amounts for periods that recur every: (5, 10, 25, 50, 100 years) for each rainfall station, and deriving the relationship between rainfall intensity (i.e., the amount of rain during a unit of time) and the recurrence periods of these storms.

• G- Specialists calculate the depth of the highest daily, monthly, and annual rainfall amount for each drainage basin, through spatial analysis methods of rainfall, adopting the most accurate method; based on statistical analysis results, and also calculating the rainfall depth that recurs every (5, 10, 25, 50, 100 years).

• H- Using the latest statistical programs to analyze rainfall depth approved by the Ministry or the regulator.

8.2 Data and Information Sharing

8.2.1 All reports and information are issued from the Water Information Center.

8.2.2 The Ministry establishes a water database in the Water Information Center that includes: data on traditional groundwater and surface sources, as well as data on supply alternatives of various types from non-traditional resources such as desalinated and treated water.

8.2.3 An electronic platform is established in the Ministry to monitor all requirements for code application with its indicators, and terminal ends are created in the branches.

8.2.4 Public and private entities provide the Ministry with any indicator or change they observe in any water source, and the Ministry must follow up on this and its implications.

8.2.5 The Ministry establishes an electronic system linked to information systems related to water sources, allowing relevant authorities to access it to support their compliance and activities, and it is published on the Ministry's website.

8.2.6 The Ministry prepares a standard mechanism to determine the geographical distribution and the minimum number of monitoring points for water sources, especially concerning water levels in aquifers and dams.

8.2.7 The Ministry prepares a special program related to the management scopes of sources; to monitor water quality, through which:

• A- Issuing water quality maps in sources.

• B- Issuing maps of natural impurities in water such as nuclides.

• C- Issuing maps of risk areas and their types.

• D- Issuing plans to reduce risks.

• E- Issuing mechanisms for implementing plans to monitor different geographical scopes of water sources.

• F- Monitoring measurement indicators of monitoring plans and their impact and documenting them in annual reports.

8.2.8 Intentional tampering with all measurement devices or related data is considered trespassing on state property and data.

8.2.9 The Ministry coordinates with relevant authorities to protect natural environmental systems in implementing monitoring operations of hydrogeological systems and monitoring any other indicators that have a direct impact on these environmental systems.

8.2.10 The Ministry determines the mechanisms for selecting the optimal sites for monitoring and measurement devices for each scope of water source management, ensuring coverage of all sources to ensure the most accurate calculation of indicators to support decision-making.

8.2.11 The Ministry sets clear warnings and limits for monitoring and surveillance devices, including the following:

• A- Indicating that the device is a state facility.

• B- Warning of penalties for trespassing according to relevant laws.

8.2.12 The Ministry has the right to install surveillance camera systems or require users at sites to install them.

8.2.13 The Ministry develops control mechanisms for monitoring operations, enabling verification of the safety of water facilities within the scopes of water source management.

8.2.14 When sending samples to laboratories for analysis, samples are taken by specialized technicians and sent according to the required test standards, and test analyses are conducted in laboratories approved by the Ministry.

8.2.15 The Ministry monitors and supervises the operation methods of water facilities through remote monitoring networks.

8.2.16 The Ministry monitors water sources for all users from both the public and private sectors, and it may seek assistance from anyone deemed appropriate to monitor various indicators, which include:

• A- Levels of static and moving surface and groundwater through periodic measurement.

• B- Chemical, bacteriological, and radiological analysis, conducted periodically according to the Ministry's regulations.

• C- Changes in well productivity when they occur.

• D- Changes in the color or smell of sources when they occur.

• E- All that the Ministry decides.

8.2.17 The Ministry requires a minimum number of monitoring points and the frequency of monitoring and sampling, through preparing a booklet for various activities, including industrial, mining, and those related to oil and gas wells, refineries and distribution stations, and vehicle and equipment maintenance centers.

8.2.18 The Ministry has the right to monitor the implementation of rainwater and floodwater harvesting facilities, seeking assistance from specialized authorities, and law enforcement officers have the right to enter sites for inspection and violation detection.

8.2.19 Operators of drinking water production wells must install a tube to measure the static and moving water level.

8.2.20 All operators of non-drinking production wells must install a tube to measure the moving and static water level in wells constructed after the issuance of the code or when performing maintenance on the well.

8.2.21 All groundwater monitoring programs are linked to integrated management plans for source management areas, with gaps identified accordingly.

8.2.22 The licensee is obligated (when requested by the Ministry) to install a tracking device on his drilling equipment according to the Ministry's specifications and at his own expense, and the device must be capable of transmitting data immediately to the Ministry's site and maintaining it.

8.2.23 The owner of drilling equipment must install a metal plate on the platform of the drilling equipment (fixed and mobile), indicating the owner's name, license number, and chassis number.

8.2.24 The Ministry qualifies approved laboratories in all areas of the state to conduct analyses related to code implementation, and these laboratories are responsible for the accuracy of analyses and sampling mechanisms from individuals and both the public and private sectors.

8.2.25 The Ministry continuously updates the equipment of water source monitoring networks, keeping pace with technological development, providing real-time and accurate information on the quality and quantities of water sources, including coordination with individuals and both the public and private sectors.

8.2.26 Agricultural companies that own more than one well on the same farm must allocate a monitoring well equipped with an automatic device to measure the water level, under the supervision of the Ministry.

8.2.27 All government and private use wells are considered monitoring points for water sources in the state, and the Ministry must require their owners to equip them with tools that allow water sampling, in addition to measuring the water level in them.

8.2.28 The Ministry periodically updates the data of the source inventory program called (Drinking Water Sources and Bedouin Resources Register), every two years from the date of code issuance, and the register includes all matters related to drinking water sources such as:

• A- Well designs.

• B- Their number.

• C- Safe withdrawal.

• D- Their history.

• E- Protection diameter.

• F- Any potential risks.

• G- Water levels in them.

8.2.29 Well users must register on the Ministry's website and create an account for the well, according to the Ministry's instructions.

8.2.30 The well owner must fill out the production data from the well water in the official form approved by the Ministry, and the Ministry may take necessary measures to prevent exceeding the water quantity specified in the license or permit by the user.

8.2.31 Well users must keep all official paper forms related to well production records for at least three years and enter the data on the Ministry's website.

8.2.32 The Ministry issues a periodic bulletin that includes information related to water sources relevant to users, serving transparency in the use of water sources.

8.2.33 All government and private entities, research centers, and all relevant entities must deliver data, information, and copies of documents related to water sources to the Ministry as soon as they are obtained, or upon request by the Ministry.

8.2.34 Farm owners must conduct chemical and bacteriological analysis of water sources on farms at least once every two years, in one of the laboratories approved by the Ministry, and these laboratories must take and send samples under their responsibility, and farm owners must keep the analyses in paper records for at least three years and enter their data on the Ministry's website.

8.2.35 The Ministry establishes an electronic platform named (Electronic Platform for the Water Sources Atlas), to publish and update the general status of sources in the administrative regions of the state within three years of code issuance, and it is continuously updated.

8.2.36 All data related to water source exploration activities must be delivered within a year from the date of issuance of the relevant license, and then delivered annually if exploration activities continue.

8.2.37 The Ministry develops strategies to maximize the benefit from data, and build the capacities of technical staff and administrative personnel, to achieve source sustainability.

8.2.38 Based on data and information related to the management scope of water sources; the Ministry does the following:

• A- Photographing users' wells from individuals, government entities, and companies.

• B- Conducting measurements and tests on wells.

• C- Stopping or reducing pumping from sources for limited periods or permanently.

8.2.39 Indicator data for chemical and biological analyses must be entered by the laboratory, through a platform announced by the Ministry and any other means of communication it deems necessary.

8.2.40 The contract concluded between the licensee (for drilling, cleaning, deepening, or filling) and the contractor must include the drilling license data (its number, date, and technical conditions recorded in it), and these data are considered an integral part of the contract, and the contract must also include a clause on the disposal of the old well.

8.2.41 Each drilling equipment must have a registration card according to the model prepared by the Ministry for this purpose.

8.2.42 Source users must provide the Ministry with contact information and the national address, clearly and correctly, and provide the Ministry with any updates that occur to them.

8.2.43 A copy of the ownership deed or any official document indicating the right to dispose of the property must be attached if the applicant wishes to establish a rainwater and floodwater harvesting facility within his private property or within the boundaries of the concession or allocation.

8.3 Coordination with Relevant Authorities

8.3.1 All users of water sources in various sectors, including ministries, entities, authorities, individuals, and the private sector, must coordinate with the Ministry before starting any activity or issuing any license for an activity that uses or affects water sources in the state directly or indirectly. The code may include some materials related to coordination with the main sectors using water sources, for example, but not limited to.

Agricultural Sector

8.3.2 The Ministry, in coordination with relevant authorities, calculates the virtual water quantity entering the products of various activities for each specific scope of source management within 3 years of code issuance.

8.3.3 The Ministry, in coordination with all relevant authorities, prepares a plan to transition to water-saving agricultural patterns whenever possible, in all scopes of water source management, within two years from the date of code issuance.

8.3.4 Water abundance is considered a fundamental requirement for food security and economic development, and water source shares are allocated for that according to the priorities stated in the Water Law, in coordination with relevant authorities in the agricultural sector.

8.3.5 The Ministry determines the necessary agricultural crops for food security, through information received from the Food Security Authority and relevant authorities, and builds a plan for water source allocation.

8.3.6 The Ministry prepares a detailed study of agricultural supply mechanisms, including the allocation of water sources for those licensed for agricultural supply in all geographical scopes.

8.3.7 The Ministry allocates water sources and their necessary quantities for the production of crops related to food security, through preparing a plan that aligns with the plans of the Food Security Authority, the Agriculture Agency, and relevant authorities, according to water availability in each scope.

8.3.8 No land may be allocated for new horizontal agricultural expansion without prior approval from the Ministry.

8.3.9 The Ministry, in coordination with relevant authorities, regulates the export operations of crops irrigated with water extracted from non-renewable water sources.

8.3.10 Based on the National Agriculture Strategy, the Agriculture Law, and other relevant laws; the Ministry allocates the necessary water quantities for agricultural purposes.

8.3.11 When amending any of the water allocations in an area, users are granted sufficient periods to correct their situations, according to the amendments, and based on the technical assessment of each case.

8.3.12 The Ministry, in coordination with the institution, decides the necessary regulations and requirements for an integrated drainage system to collect excess irrigation water and dispose of it safely, without violating the provisions of the Water Law and its regulations.

8.3.13 The Ministry, in coordination with the institution, works on updating feasibility studies for the reuse of agricultural and urban wastewater, in water uses, to achieve the highest degrees of source sustainability and economic activities within five years of code issuance.

Industrial and Mining Sector

8.3.14 The Ministry prepares a guide that includes the virtual water quantities used in industrial, commercial, mining, and energy products, in coordination with relevant authorities.

8.3.15 The Ministry coordinates with relevant authorities to issue regulations for intervention procedures to protect water sources from pollution in cases of accidents related to oil, mining, industrial activities, and similar activities, within two years of this code issuance.

8.3.16 The Ministry coordinates with relevant authorities to provide all necessary equipment and tools to protect water sources from pollution in cases of accidents related to oil, mining, industrial activities, and similar activities, within two years of this code issuance.

8.3.17 No industrial or mining project may be licensed before fulfilling the conditions and regulations of the Environmental Law and its regulations, to protect water sources and the environment from pollution, including completing and approving environmental feasibility studies.

Private Sector and Investment in the Water Sector

8.3.18 The Ministry, in coordination with relevant authorities, issues a strategy to encourage investment in the water source management sector, within two years of code issuance, to achieve the following:

• A- Benefiting from investment in irrigation, agriculture, industry, and other activities.

• B- Enhancing transparency in the water sources sector.

• C- Cooperation between the public and private sectors to develop the infrastructure of water sources.

• D- Investment at the infrastructure level such as building dams.

• E- Investment in technology and innovation to improve water source management and increase efficiency in its use.

• F- Investment in raising awareness of the importance of water sources and the need to preserve them.

• G- Investment in improving the efficiency of water source use and reducing waste and loss.

• H- Investment in research and development to use modern techniques to rationalize water consumption from sources.

8.3.19 The Ministry, within a year from the date of code application, prepares regulatory frameworks to encourage the private sector to activate (social responsibility); to achieve water source sustainability, including applying the positive water balance in its uses of sources.

8.3.20 The following water resources can apply the principle of positive balance:

• A- Seawater desalination.

• B- Desalination of slightly saline groundwater.

• C- Rainwater harvesting.

• D- Harvesting water from the air.

• E- Artificial injection.

• F- Any new source created with innovative technologies.

8.3.21 To activate the role of the private sector and encourage investment, the Ministry must do the following:

• A- Determine the data and information that can be provided to the private sector.

• B- Determine the financial compensation for data, information, services, and activities in general.

• C- Publish mechanisms and procedures for submitting requests and payments, and any other necessary measures deemed by the Ministry, ensuring governance, justice, transparency, and equal opportunities.

• D- All that the Ministry decides.

• E- Establish a dedicated platform for data, information, services, and related activities.