Water regulations amendments: Mandate postponed to 2027, and companies to monitor water violations
The amendment included authorizing the National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation to monitor and investigate violations, while postponing the mandatory application of the second version until March 2027.
And revealed Ministerial decision Number “25207748” issued on 2 Ramadan 1446 AH corresponding to 2 March 2025 AD regarding strategic updates in Water sector.
Mandatory application
The amended text clarified that the regulation's cover was changed to postpone the mandatory implementation of version 2.0 to 13 Shawwal 1448 AH, corresponding to March 21, 2027, instead of the previous date in 1447 AH.
The amendments also included a significant addition to Article 3, stipulating that the National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation (Ma'i) be tasked with monitoring and investigating violations of the executive regulations.
Systematic procedures
The amendment indicated that this authorization was based on Ministerial Resolution No. 15154582, dated 3/8/1447 AH, granting the center the authority to take all necessary legal measures regarding violations.
Article Eleven of the amended regulations highlighted a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency of field monitoring.
The center was now permitted to engage specialized companies or offices to conduct thorough monitoring and address water-related violations.
Organizational update
The regulatory update addressed the mechanism for dealing with perpetrators of violations using modern methods that keep pace with digital transformation.
The amendments emphasized conducting investigations with the person responsible for the violation or their authorized representative, and hearing their statements and defense through "electronic means."
Procedural flexibility
The regulations added procedural flexibility, enabling the center to use any method it deems appropriate to effectively carry out its duties and responsibilities in investigating all those involved in the violation.
In conclusion, the amendments to Article Fifteen stipulated that the regulations would come into effect immediately upon their publication in the Official Gazette, thereby eliminating the previous requirement for a specific effective date.
