المملكة: 5 years for licensing and prohibition of additional fees.. New rules for sanitation services

Introduced Saudi Water Authority Draft Code of Practice for SanitationDecentralization, aiming to regulate the sector and enable private sector participation in developing and operating facilities according to transparent and fair frameworks.

This organizational step aims to provide sustainable and effective solutions outside the scope of central processing, while setting minimum regulatory, technical and environmental requirements to ensure continuity of service and protect the rights of beneficiaries.

The provisions of the new rules apply to all legal persons working in the collection, transport, reception or treatment of wastewater within models that do not rely entirely on central infrastructure.

The scope includes residential, commercial, industrial and tourism projects, in addition to activities related to the sale of treated water and the disposal of secondary outputs resulting from treatment.

Obtaining licenses

The Authority obligated the operators to obtain the necessary licenses and regulatory approvals, and to fulfill all technical, operational, financial and environmental requirements before carrying out the activity or selling the treated water.

The rules set the license period at five renewable years, stipulating that the monitoring system be completed and fully linked to the regulatory authority’s platform as a basic condition before commencing commercial operation.

The regulations stipulate the adoption of multiple operational models, including receiving flows through networks or carriers, processing them, and then redistributing or selling them, taking into account economic feasibility, public health considerations, and urban planning.

The rules also categorically prohibited operators from imposing any additional financial compensation on beneficiaries, directly or indirectly, outside of the tariff approved by the Authority.

The Authority clarified that the approved service provider is the only entity authorized to bill beneficiaries, collect dues, and recover costs, unless the Authority adopts other regulatory arrangements.

The operator’s authority is limited to the contract concluded with the service provider, in addition to his right to sell wastewater after treating it in accordance with licenses that guarantee the sustainability of the service.

With regard to roles and distribution of responsibilities, the rules imposed on the service provider to monitor the operator’s performance and verify its compliance with the approved standards, in addition to determining the specifications of the treatment units and connection paths.

While the operator bears full responsibility for the design, construction, maintenance, ensuring the quality of the treated water, and controlling odors and environmental and health risks within the boundaries of the facility.

Technical and environmental standards

The Authority paid great attention to technical and environmental standards, obligating operators to implement approved programs for periodic laboratory examinations, and to implement robust plans for occupational safety, industrial security, and cybersecurity in the event of digital control systems.

The instructions prohibited the reuse or discharge of treated water except in accordance with permitted uses that ensure no harm to public health or the environment.

To protect the rights of beneficiaries, the rules stipulate that clear and announced channels be available to receive and address complaints, with customers notified in advance of any planned service interruption or maintenance work.

She stressed the need for invoices to include a clear statement that reflects the approved financial consideration, service costs, and objection channels.

To ensure reliability and business continuity, regulations require the preparation of integrated emergency and disaster recovery plans, and the provision of alternative solutions such as carriers or backup units to ensure that service does not stop when stations malfunction..

It also obligated service providers and operators to immediately report any serious accident or environmental transgression that may pose a danger to beneficiaries, and to take urgent corrective measures.

رStrict control

The Saudi Water Authority has subjected all decentralized drainage stations and facilities to strict supervision, including surprise field inspections, technical and administrative audits, and examination of measurement and calibration systems.

It promised violators of the system gradual and strict penalties that begin with a warning and extend to the suspension of activity or a recommendation to cancel the license completely, with the authority to take immediate and direct measures when detecting any potential danger.

The rules regulate the mechanism of transition to central networks upon completion, obligating the service provider to notify the operator at least nine months before the actual connection date.

This includes developing a clear plan to end the contractual relationship and transfer ownership of assets through a mechanism that ensures a safe and orderly transfer of service without harming the beneficiaries.

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