Conditions and Regulations for Issuing Licenses for Activities of Extracting and Distributing Non-Potable Water and Classification of Their Violations

Article 1: General Terms and Conditions

Previous Amendments
  • 1- For license applications to practice (the activity of extracting non-potable water from wells (water extraction points), and the activity of distributing non-potable water (tankers)), an application must be submitted to the Ministry branch or its affiliated office according to the procedural path attached to these conditions.

  • 2- It is not permitted to commence practicing (the activity of extracting non-potable water, the activity of selling tertiary treated sewage water, and the activity of distributing non-potable water) through water extraction points and transporting it by tankers except after obtaining the necessary license and completing all requirements in accordance with these conditions and regulations, whether for the extraction points or the tankers.

  • 3- Compliance with the quality standards of non-potable water and tertiary treated sewage water and their uses must be observed.

  • 4- Obtaining approval from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing for the location of the extraction point.

  • 5- Obtaining approval from the General Directorate of Traffic for the location of the extraction point.

  • 6- It is not permitted to establish water extraction points on (wells) if there are existing extraction points at tertiary treated sewage water stations (renewed) within a radius of (5) km, except for special circumstances determined by the Ministry.

  • 7- The Ministry has the right to determine the number of extraction points in each region or entity according to the locations of the extraction points and the type of water-bearing layer.

  • 8- All wells used in extraction points must be legal and licensed for drilling by the Ministry under a drilling license or disclosure certificate.

  • 9- Submission of a recent hydrogeological study of the well from one of the geological or hydrogeological offices accredited by the Ministry, provided that the study is approved by the General Directorate of Water Resources. The study shall include: (well pumping tests, determination of the safe production limit of the well, the impact of the quantity of water produced from the well on neighboring wells to the extraction point, and the results of chemical, bacteriological, radiological, and heavy metals analyses of the well water), under the supervision of specialists at the Ministry branch.

  • 10- Establishing extraction points is not permitted if the hydrogeological study proves damage to neighboring farm wells.

  • 11- In case of urgent need to establish non-potable water extraction points within the boundaries of agricultural activity areas; the quantities allowed to be sold shall be regulated as follows:

    • A- The Arabian Shield and secondary formations that are not relied upon as sources of drinking water: the quantity shall not exceed (300) m3/day.

    • B- Secondary formations that are relied upon as sources of drinking water: the quantity shall not exceed (400) m3/day.

    • C- The sedimentary shelf (main layers): the quantity shall not exceed (600) m3/day.

  • 12- Installation of an electromagnetic meter on the well pump with a data transmitter according to the specifications approved by the Ministry and under its supervision. The Ministry will install chips on these transmitters to transfer data from them to the Ministry’s site.

  • 13- The license duration for establishing an extraction point for non-potable water extraction is (two years) renewable.

  • 14- The license duration for distributing non-potable water by tankers is (two years) renewable.

  • 15- The Ministry has the right to cancel the license for establishing an extraction point for non-potable water extraction, or not to renew it, or to reduce the specified quantity, in case an alternative source is available, or the need for the extraction point ceases, or there are any violations by the license holder, or there is damage to the adjacent urban area, or proven damage to neighboring farm wells.

  • 16- It is prohibited to perform any act that directly or indirectly harms the water source.

  • 17- Compliance with the water quantities specified in the license is mandatory.

  • 18- The licensee is obligated to conduct periodic analyses at their own expense (at least once every 3 months) for chemical, bacterial, radiological, and heavy metal elements and keep them on site, or upon the Ministry’s request.

  • 19- The licensee must keep the water source usage license and the license for establishing the non-potable water extraction point on site to present them to Ministry inspectors.

  • 20- The beneficiary to whom the ownership of the extraction point has been transferred must complete the procedures for transferring the license to them within (ninety) days.

  • 21- The licensee practicing the activity of extracting non-potable water through extraction points is obligated to provide service in emergencies, disasters, and crises. The Civil Defense has the right to use water from non-potable water extraction points and water transport tankers according to the conditions and regulations approved by the Ministry, in coordination with the relevant authorities.

  • 22- The building, machinery, equipment, tanks, and everything used in the extraction point, including the sewage network, must be maintained in good condition at all times.

  • 23- The Ministry is not responsible for any losses or compensations of any kind resulting from source depletion, contamination, or failure to renew the license.

  • 24- General cleanliness must be maintained in all extraction point facilities, and the name of the extraction point, license number, contact number, and filling price must be clearly displayed on the gate.

  • 25- Self-supply tankers (water not intended for sale) are prohibited from selling water.

  • 26- The tanker owner must update the license in case of transfer of tanker ownership, change of license plate number, or any information related to the tanker.

  • 27- Filling tankers designated for transporting potable water is prohibited.

  • 28- Filling tankers from unauthorized non-potable water extraction points is prohibited.

  • 29- The extraction point owner must register the tanker data (license plate number, license number, date and time of filling).

  • 30- Commitment to apply to the Civil Defense (Salama site) to obtain the Civil Defense license.

Article 2: Conditions and Specifications for the Establishment of Water Extraction Wells (Wells) in Cities and Major Governorates for Raw Water from (Wells):

  • 1- A valid commercial registration, with an added activity (extraction of non-potable water).

  • 2- Attach proof of providing the chip for the point of sale device (Mada device).

  • 3- Attach a copy of (the Establishment of Title deed, ownership based on a distribution decision, a deed based on a royal order, a lease contract issued by the Ministry) for the site, or a documented lease contract with the landlord's approval for the establishment of the chip.

  • 4- The existing well must be drilled under a license or have a disclosure certificate issued by the Ministry.

  • 5- Attach a general design plan for the chip.

  • 6- The area of the chip and the surrounding streets must be sufficient according to the municipality and traffic requirements.

  • 7- The area designated for the establishment of the chip is prohibited from being used wholly or partially for any other purpose.

  • 8- The flooring of the tank movement corridors from entry to exit must be made of high-resistance reinforced concrete, with a network of water traps implemented at the entrances and exits and at the filling site to prevent water accumulation.

  • 9- An internal network for the disposal of sewage must be available, with the sewage collection tank (the septic tank) completely isolated, so as not to allow sewage to leak outside.

  • 10- All facilities must comply with the technical regulation for water consumption rationalization tools issued by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, and the restrooms and sinks must be completely isolated from water handling areas.

  • 11- The chip must contain at least one administrative office and a unit for monitoring the entry and exit of tanks or as needed for the various functions that ensure the smooth operation of administrative processes.

  • 12- Provide the necessary security guards to protect and ensure the safety of the chip according to its size and location.

  • 13- In the case of having tanks in the chip, the following must be adhered to:

    • A- The tanks must be tightly sealed, painted white on the inside to monitor the cleanliness of the tank, made of non-corrosive materials, easy to clean and disinfect, and the pipes must comply with the specifications of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization.

    • B- The tanks must be away from sources of pollution.

    • C- The underground water tanks must be insulated with impermeable materials and at least three meters away from the sewage network, and at a height of at least one meter above the sewage tank (the septic tank), and at least ten meters, or as far as possible and safe from the sewage tank to prevent contamination.

    • D- Commitment to place distinctive signs on the locations of the underground tanks to prevent them from being exposed to contamination.

    • E- The opening of the underground tank must be securely covered, safe, and protected to prevent the entry of dust and surface pollutants, and must be at least (10) cm above the ground surface.

Article 3: Conditions for the establishment of water extraction wells (wells) in centers, villages, and hamlets:

  • 1- A valid commercial registration, with an added activity (extraction of non-potable water).

  • 2- Attach a copy of (Establishment of Title deed, ownership based on a distribution decision, deed based on a royal order, lease contract issued by the Ministry) for the site, or a documented lease contract with the landlord's approval for the establishment of the well.

  • 3- The existing well must be drilled under a license or have received a disclosure certificate from the Ministry.

  • 4- Attach a general plan (design) for the well.

  • 5- The area of the well and the surrounding streets must be sufficient according to the municipality and traffic requirements.

Article 4: Conditions for the establishment of water reuse licenses at treated wastewater stations:

Previous Amendments
  • The Saudi Irrigation Organization undertakes the establishment of water kiosks at tertiary treated sewage water stations or offers them to the private sector (for investment) after coordination with the Ministry of Municipal and Housing Affairs and the General Directorate of Traffic, in accordance with the applicable terms and regulations, and after obtaining a license to establish the kiosk from this Ministry.

Article 5: Conditions and Regulations for Renewing Licenses for Extracting Non-Potable Water (Ashyab):

Previous Amendments
  • 1- Approval of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing for the renewal of the Al-Shaib license.

  • 2- Approval of the General Directorate of Traffic for the renewal of the Al-Shaib license.

  • 3- Attachment of the Civil Defense safety license.

  • 4- Submission of chemical, bacteriological, radiological, and heavy elements analyses of the well water.

Article 6: Conditions and Regulations for Issuing and Renewing Licenses for Water Distribution Tankers Not Suitable for Drinking (Tankers):

  • 1- The Commercial Register is valid, with an added activity (distribution of non-potable water).

  • 2- Attach a form and a valid operating license for the tank.

  • 3- Distinguish the external appearance of the tanks designated for transporting non-potable water with a specific color for each source (well water - treated sewage water) with the necessity of writing on the tank the source of the water and that it is not suitable for drinking, according to (the attached tank specifications model).

Article 7: Technical Specifications for Water Distribution Tanks Not Suitable for Drinking

  • 1- The tank must be equipped with at least two outlets with a diameter of (4) inches, complete with valves, and their closure must be airtight at the bottom end of the tank.

  • 2- A connection must be made in the tank from both sides measuring (2.5) inches according to the instructions and specifications of the Civil Defense.

  • 3- Pipes must be installed on both sides of the tank to hold water transfer hoses, with a diameter of (5) inches and the length of the tank, and these pipes must be closed at both ends to prevent contamination of the hoses.

  • 4- The water hoses must be made of materials that are safe for health.

  • 5- The tank must be equipped with an upper barrier not less than (15) cm high, welded around the entire perimeter of the tank to collect excess water.

  • 6- Tanks must be made of materials that do not react with water, from non-corrosive metal with a thickness of not less than (4) mm, and have a smooth interior surface for easy cleaning.

  • 7- The tank must be equipped with one or two ladders on the front side of the tank.

  • 8- Obligation to maintain the cleanliness of the tank from the inside and outside.

  • 9- Obligation to place a phosphorescent tape behind the tank and on its sides.

  • 10- The back of the tank must be free of any additions or ladders in the middle or at the edges to allow for clear writing of capacity and prices for beneficiaries.

  • 11- A water pump must be installed on the tank to pump water to a high or distant discharge point, as needed.

  • 12- The external appearance of the tank (paint - colors - handwriting – numbers: license number, capacity, sale price, etc.) must comply with the specified standards, according to the size of the tank and its intended use.

  • 13- It is prohibited for water distribution tanks of non-potable well water to transport any other type of water.

Commitments:

  • Dear Sirs/ Branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in the Region of ..............
    Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings
    Referring to my application submitted to the branch of the Ministry to practice
    [] the activity of extracting non-potable water (wells)
    [] the activity of distributing non-potable water (tanks)
    in the name of (.......................) Commercial Registration ..................... located in the Governorate of ..................... in the Center of ................ I hereby pledge before the branch of the Ministry that I have reviewed the conditions and regulations for the licenses of the activities of extracting and distributing non-potable water (wells and tanks) and the classification of their violations, and I am committed to implementing what is included therein.
    Name of the licensee/ authorized person:
    Commercial Registration Number:
    Mobile Number:
    Signature:
    Seal:

Appurtenances (1)

  • Specification Model for Non-Potable Water Distribution Tanks

Appurtenances (2)

  • Application Form for a License to Extract Non-Potable Water (Ashyab)

  • Application Form for a License to Distribute Non-Potable Water (Tankers)

Next section title

Next section content