Saudi Arabia's government and residential sectors have collectively saved over SR500 million ($133 million) since the National Center for Water Efficiency and Rationalization began operations in 2023, according to CEO Fahad Al-Dosari. The government sector alone achieved savings exceeding SR300 million ($79.8 million), while the residential sector saved nearly SR200 million during the same period.
Drivers of Water Savings
Al-Dosari attributed these savings to programs focused on improving water use efficiency, detecting leaks, and addressing waste in buildings and facilities. The center launched in 2023 alongside a strategy built on seven strategic rationalization goals, nine programs, and 45 initiatives. He noted that inadequate periodic maintenance is the leading cause of water waste, with about 80 percent of identified leak cases concentrated in ground water tanks, their floats, and hidden connections between meters and tanks.
Daily Water Savings Surge 532%
Daily water savings have grown rapidly: 25,000 cubic meters per day in 2023, 97,000 in 2024, and 142,000 in 2025. During the first half of 2026, daily savings reached about 158,000 cubic meters, a 532 percent increase from 2023. The center aims to reach 180,000 cubic meters per day by end of 2026, adding roughly 40,000 cubic meters per day in new annual savings to the cumulative total. Saudi Arabia's water supply rose by over 1 million cubic meters per day in 2025, exceeding 16 million cubic meters per day, making the Kingdom the world's largest producer of desalinated water.
Government and Residential Sector Focus
The center achieved savings through two main tracks: residential sector leak detection and repair programs, and government sector water auditing initiatives in partnership with entities like the Ministries of Education, Health, Defense, and Islamic Affairs. These partnerships saved 67,000 cubic meters per day since 2023. The center also launched a licensing platform for service providers with 16 companies, a digital platform for monitoring water consumption, prepared three regulatory frameworks and seven guidance manuals, concluded 38 partnerships, and implemented 114 awareness and training events.
Expansion to Agricultural and Industrial Sectors
The center is expanding to agricultural and industrial sectors in cooperation with the General Authority for Irrigation. A water use efficiency system for agriculture is targeted before end of 2026, alongside a roadmap for the industrial sector including efficiency standards and identification of highest water-consuming areas. Al-Dosari said the center developed a system classifying irrigation efficiency into three categories, from basic to smart irrigation using sensors and climate data.
Water Awareness in Schools
The center is working with the Ministry of Education to incorporate water rationalization concepts into school curricula, starting from primary stage, with plans to expand to intermediate and secondary stages.
