Government issues new regulations to protect groundwater sources

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has announced new regulations to preserve groundwater sources in the Kingdom.

The rules outline the conditions for issuing licenses to use groundwater from wells in line with the water law and its executive regulations.

The new rules require property owners — whether individuals, businesses, government bodies or nonprofit organizations — to apply for a usage license within one year.

Applications can be submitted through the Nama portal on the ministry’s website.

For those planning to dig new wells, replace existing ones or undertake deepening or cleaning operations, the ministry requires them to apply for or update their usage license within 30 days of completing such activities.

Also, if ownership of a property with a well is transferred, the new owner must apply for a license transfer within 90 days. If the well was unlicensed at the time of the property transfer, the new owner has 60 days to correct the well’s status and a further 30 days to secure a usage license.

The regulations also state that groundwater sources must only be used for their licensed purposes.

Licensees are prohibited from exceeding the water quantities specified in their license and from taking actions that could harm groundwater sources. They must also apply to renew their license three months before it expires.

Groundwater usage licenses are valid for two years and can be renewed. If a licensee no longer needs the water source, they must apply to cancel their license within 90 days.

The ministry reserves the right to monitor water usage and inspect sites to ensure compliance.

The ministry has urged users to adhere to these regulations to avoid penalties outlined in the water law.