Yes, rainwater collection is legal in Saudi Arabia, but subject to strict licensing under the National Water Law of 2026 and oversight by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA). Urban projects require MEWA approval, while rural small-scale collection is permitted under MEWA’s Rainwater Harvesting Guidelines. Compliance hinges on adherence to MEWA’s technical standards to prevent aquifer depletion or contamination.
Key Regulations for Rainwater Collection in Saudi Arabia
- Licensing Mandate: MEWA’s 2026 National Water Law (Article 12) requires permits for all rainwater collection systems exceeding 50m³ capacity, with exemptions for traditional sail (sand-trap) systems in rural areas. Permits assess hydrological impact and structural safety.
- Urban Restrictions: In Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, MEWA enforces Urban Water Efficiency Standards (2024), banning roof runoff collection without MEWA-approved filtration to mitigate urban flooding risks.
- Aquifer Protection: MEWA’s Groundwater Protection Regulation (2025) prohibits collection in designated recharge zones (e.g., Al-Ahsa Oasis) to preserve fossil aquifers, imposing fines up to SAR 500,000 for violations.