The Impact of Water Prices on Saudi Arabia: Economic and Ethical Considerations

Saudi Arabia is a country rich in natural resources, yet it still imports significant amounts of water, making it the 25th largest importer in the world in 2021. Despite this, the country has diverse sources of water, including dams, wells, oases, and desalination plants. This article explores the economic and ethical implications of adjusting water prices, particularly in light of the importance of clean water as a basic human right.

Saudi Arabia's Water Sources

Despite the perception that Saudi Arabia imports large quantities of water, the majority of its water supply is from domestic sources. The country has a network of dams, wells, and desalination plants, including the historic Candesa desalting plant in Jeddah. In 2021, the Saudi Water Services Company (SWCC) produced 2.2 billion cubic meters of water, operating 32 desalination plants. Additionally, the kingdom has several rivers and valleys, such as Wadi Fatma, the Al Ula River Valley, Taima, Khaybar, Al Medina, Hail, Turayf, Al Jouf, Al Qasim, Al Hasa, and Al Kharj, which contribute to its water supply.

Economic Impact of Water Prices

Water prices are determined by market forces and can fluctuate based on supply and demand. The economic implications of raising water prices are significant. Higher prices could lead to increased operating costs for industries that depend on water, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. However, the impact on the population must also be considered, especially in the context of the global trend towards water scarcity.

Human Rights Considerations

Access to clean water is recognized as a fundamental human right. Any decision to raise water prices must take this into account to avoid creating a humanitarian crisis. The economic burden of higher water costs could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, leading to health issues and social unrest. Additionally, ensuring that basic necessities like clean water are not priced beyond the reach of the population is crucial for maintaining social stability.

Comparison with Other Countries

Libya's "Great Man-Made River" project, a massive engineering project aimed at providing water to not only Libya but parts of North Africa, exemplifies the geopolitical complexities surrounding water resources. Oganically grown food in North Africa could be highly beneficial for the region's food security. However, the US's air strikes on this project may have been motivated by strategic interests, particularly concerns over GMO-based agriculture. The ethical implications of such actions, and whether the US should now provide water to Libya and North Africa free of charge, warrant further discussion.

In conclusion, the decisions around raising water prices in Saudi Arabia must consider both the economic and ethical dimensions. While market forces play a crucial role, the human right to access clean water cannot be overlooked. Policymakers must aim to balance economic stability with social equity to ensure that water remains accessible to all.