SR10,000 fine for using non-efficient sanitary ware

Riyadh — The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has recently approved revised executive regulations aimed at enforcing water efficiency and conservation standards. These regulations empower the National Water Efficiency and Conservation Center to enforce compliance across urban, agricultural, and industrial sectors. The updated rules are set to come into effect on March 21, 2027.

One of the primary areas targeted by the new regulations is the use of non-efficient sanitary fixtures in urban areas. Offenders face fines escalating from SR1,000 for a first violation, SR2,000 for a second, to a significant SR10,000 for a third offense. Additionally, tampering with or removing the water-efficient component of a sanitary fixture is also deemed a violation, with fines increasing from SR500 for the first offense to SR2,000 for a third offense.

The regulations extend to violations involving the wastage of drinking water from underground or overhead tanks due to structural cracks, poor insulation, malfunctions, or the absence of a float valve. The fine for such infractions is set at SR5,000 for the first offense, rising to SR10,000 for a second, and a substantial SR50,000 for a third offense.

Furthermore, the regulations underline the importance of using drinking water only for its intended purposes. If alternative sources like treated wastewater, a treated water network, or a licensed well are accessible, using drinking water for non-designated purposes constitutes a violation. This offense carries a fine of SR25,000 for the first occurrence, escalating to a severe SR200,000 for subsequent violations.