Referring to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s observation of videos circulating on social media platforms showing some citizens constructing artificial lakes on their farms for investment or recreational purposes, the Ministry clarified that such projects constitute a violation of the Water Law and its implementing regulations, through which it seeks to conserve water resources, ensure their sustainability, rationalize their consumption, and prevent their misuse.
The ministry emphasized that these projects constitute a significant waste of water and its use for purposes other than those authorized.
The Ministry of Environment emphasized that it does not grant permits to drill wells for the creation of artificial lakes for recreational or investment purposes in a country with limited non-renewable water resources.
It noted that it will not hesitate or be lenient in enforcing regulations against the owners of such projects and will impose penalties and fines—which may include revocation of the groundwater use license in the event of repeated violations—to preserve non-renewable water resources.
The Ministry noted the possibility of using treated water or reclaimed water for such projects, subject to approval by the competent authorities.