Saudi Arabia plans SAR 15B projects to reuse treated water

Muhammad bin Zaid Abuhaid, Acting CEO of Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO)

Saudi Arabia plans to establish 96 projects to enhance the infrastructure for the reuse of treated water in the agricultural, urban, and industrial sectors. The estimated cost for these projects exceeds $4 billion, or nearly SAR 15 billion, Muhammad bin Zaid Abuhaid, Acting CEO of Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO), said.

During his participation in a panel discussion at the 10th World Water Forum in Indonesia, Abuhaid explained that these projects aim to achieve one of the indicators of the Saudi National Water Strategy, aimed at the reuse of more than 70% of the treated water produced locally, with a volume surpassing two billion cubic meters by 2030.

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For over 45 years, the Kingdom led in the reuse of treated water for irrigation and urban uses. It realized at the outset the vital role that non-conventional water resources, especially treated water, play in the National Water Strategy, he added.

Nearly 127 million cubic meters of water were reused in 2016. These quantities increased by 300% to 508 million cubic meters in 2023, while currently accounting for 26% of the treated water production in the Kingdom, supported by significant investments and infrastructure development.

Saudi Arabia is also working on establishing a National Irrigation Center, designated for improving water use efficiency in local agriculture to reach 72% by 2030. Numerous projects are being implemented and planned, focusing on capacity building and the application of modern technologies. This includes using remote sensing to monitor water consumption in irrigation, overseeing the use of treated water, and developing farm demos.

Abuhaid stressed that Saudi Arabia has developed a comprehensive supply and demand plan for local treated water for up until 2075. This plan is designed to ensure the ability to meet future requirements sustainably and efficiently, promote economic growth, and protect the environment.