In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s total water consumption increased to 15.8 billion cubic meters, compared to 15.4 billion cubic meters in 2022. The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued a Water Accounts Bulletin for the year 2023, highlighting key insights into water usage trends in the country. The report revealed a decrease in individual water consumption in homes by 10 percent, dropping to 102 liters per day in 2023 from 113 liters per day in 2022. Agricultural consumption of non-renewable groundwater also decreased by 7 percent, reaching 9.356 million cubic meters in 2023.
The bulletin indicated that extracted renewable groundwater accounted for 21 percent of total groundwater extraction in 2023, while non-renewable groundwater extraction decreased by six percent to 1.849 million cubic meters. Desalinated water production made up 50 percent of the water distributed in 2023, up from 44 percent in 2022. Agricultural water consumption in 2023 totaled 12.298 million cubic meters, with the agricultural sector accounting for 0.5 percent of total water usage spending. The industrial sector spent 61.4 percent of water used, while households accounted for 38.1 percent.
In 2023, the quantity of desalinated seawater supplied increased by 31 percent to 3.785 million cubic meters, representing 22 percent of total water supplies from natural resources. Non-renewable groundwater accounted for 62 percent of water supplies from natural resources in the same year. Reused water consumption also saw a 12 percent increase, reaching 555 million cubic meters in 2023, up from 495 million cubic meters in 2022. The Water Accounts Bulletin provides detailed quantitative and monetary data on water usage in Saudi Arabia, based on the National Classification of Economic Activities ISIC4 and environmental-economic accounting principles.
Overall, the report reflects a nuanced picture of water consumption patterns in Saudi Arabia, highlighting changes and trends in different sectors. The decrease in individual water consumption in homes and agricultural sectors indicates a growing awareness of the importance of water conservation. The increase in desalinated seawater supplies suggests a shift towards alternative water sources to meet growing demand. The data presented in the Water Accounts Bulletin provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop sustainable water management strategies in the Kingdom. By understanding current water usage trends, Saudi Arabia can work towards ensuring water security and efficient resource allocation in the long term.
As Saudi Arabia continues to address water scarcity challenges, the findings of the Water Accounts Bulletin can inform decision-making processes to enhance water sustainability. With a focus on reducing reliance on non-renewable groundwater and increasing the use of desalinated and reused water, the country can improve water resource management practices. By promoting water conservation measures and investing in innovative water technologies, Saudi Arabia can build a more resilient water supply system for future generations. The data presented in the bulletin serves as a foundation for evidence-based policy formulation and implementation to address water-related issues effectively.
In conclusion, the Water Accounts Bulletin for 2023 sheds light on key aspects of water consumption in Saudi Arabia and presents opportunities for improving water management practices. With a comprehensive overview of water usage trends across different sectors, the report enables stakeholders to make informed decisions to promote sustainable water utilization. By leveraging the insights from the bulletin, Saudi Arabia can enhance its water security, address water scarcity challenges, and build a more sustainable future for its citizens.
