The Ministry of Water and Electricity will start next week a national awareness campaign aimed at rationalization of water consumption and introducing the features of the new water and sewage tariffs. The three-week campaign, titled "You Limit" will make people aware of the best models and practices available in the world with regard to rationalization of water consumption, the Saudi Press Agency reported quoting the ministry sources. During the campaign period, efforts will be made to make people familiar with the current and future position of the water sources in the Kingdom, significance of its prudent use and preservation through practical steps, and encouraging the public to install tools for rational use and prevent wastage of water within all households. The campaign would emphasize that rationalization in water consumption is a strategic option for both the nation and citizens and it is a social and national responsibility of each and every consumer. The ministry sources disclosed that the new water tariffs are aimed at encouraging people to preserve this non-renewable national resource for the future generation too. The new water tariffs represent only 35 percent of the actual cost of production of water. The new tariffs also aim to encourage consumers to install water rationalization tools so as to save more than 40 percent of water and thus bringing down the water bills. According to the new tariffs, 18 percent of the households needs to pay SR2.25 per month and 43 percent of households have to pay SR25 per month, the ministry claimed. The ministry will employ various means during the campaign by taking advantage of print and electronic media, social media and erecting bill boards on highways and public places. The Kingdom, with a vast arid land covering an area of 2.24 million sq. km, is one of the few countries where water resources are scarce and the production cost is high. The volume of daily demand for water in the Kingdom reached 9 million cubic meters and the individual consumption in a day is 256 liters. The Kingdom ranks third in per capita water consumption in the world. Meanwhile, Minister of Water and Electricity Abdullah A. Al-Hussayen signed 19 contracts to implement water and sewage projects costing a total of SR189 million in various regions of the Kingdom. The projects have been awarded to various Saudi contracting companies.
