Saudi Arabia has made notable progress in transforming its water sector in 2023, with a 31 percent increase in desalinated seawater production. Official data reveals that desalinated water now comprises 50 percent of the Kingdom’s distributed water supply, up from 44 percent in 2022. This shift underscores the Kingdom’s efforts to address acute water scarcity challenges and bolster water security through advanced desalination technologies.

The Kingdom’s focus on sustainability is evident in the reduction of non-renewable groundwater use, which dropped by 6 percent in 2023. According to the General Authority for Statistics’ latest Water Accounts report, renewable groundwater abstraction rose to 21 percent of total groundwater use, while non-renewable groundwater consumption by the agricultural sector decreased by 7 percent, falling from 10,044 million cubic meters in 2022 to 9,356 million m³ in 2023.

Agriculture continues to dominate water consumption, accounting for 12,298 million m³ in 2023. However, its share of total water costs remains minimal at just 0.5 percent. In contrast, the industrial sector accounted for 61.4 percent of water-related expenditures, reflecting its heavy reliance on distributed water to fuel operations. Industrial water consumption rose significantly, with the sector utilizing 30 percent of distributed water, up from 22 percent in 2022.

Water reuse initiatives also witnessed progress, with consumption increasing by 12 percent to 555 million m³ in 2023. This growth highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to recycling and resource efficiency as part of its Vision 2030 strategy. The Kingdom’s push for water reuse aligns with broader efforts to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources and promote sustainable practices.

Despite these advancements, non-renewable groundwater still constitutes 62 percent of the natural water supply, a decline from 68 percent in 2022. This emphasizes the ongoing need for efficient irrigation techniques and crop diversification in the agricultural sector to enhance sustainability.

Per capita household water consumption also saw a reduction, declining from 112.8 liters per day in 2022 to 102.1 liters in 2023. These figures reflect the Kingdom’s broader strategy to promote resource conservation and environmental stewardship.

As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its desalination infrastructure and promote innovative water reuse solutions, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a regional leader in addressing water scarcity. These efforts are pivotal to achieving the environmental and economic goals outlined in Vision 2030, ensuring long-term water security for future generations.