The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) has confirmed the readiness of the operational water system for the upcoming Hajj season for this year (1445/2024), including production, transmission, storage, and distribution, to meet the water demand and enhance water services. These efforts are in line with the guidance of the Saudi leadership to support pilgrims at the Holy Kaaba and fulfill the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for seamless pilgrimage rituals.

SWA has increased the production capacity of desalinated water to more than 3.6 million cubic meters per day this year, through efforts exerted via its operational arm (Water Desalination) and the production systems of the Saudi Water Partnership Company and its partners in the private sector.

The Water Transmission and Technologies Company (WTTCO) has completed its operational readiness to supply the Makkah region with a daily supply capacity of up to 1.3 million cubic meters. This follows the initiation of operations in Al Maghmas reservoirs, which have a design capacity of over a million cubic meters, and the enhancement of pumping stations to operate at 125% of their designed limits. Moreover, operational storage levels have been raised to 98% of the design capacity, and effective business continuity plans are in place to ensure a high-quality and reliable water supply for the pilgrims.

Similarly, the National Water Company (NWC) is ready to execute its operational plan by supplying the required water amounts for distribution and pumping to Makkah and the holy sites during the Hajj season. Operational and strategic storage capacities are set to surpass 3.2 million cubic meters, with a daily average pumping volume exceeding 750,000 cubic meters, peaking at over a million cubic meters per day on Arafat Day and during Eid al-Adha.

The water system has enhanced capacities, readiness, and the performance of all operational aspects in production, transmission, storage, and distribution, under the guidance of the Saudi Water Authority and oversight of the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. These actions are part of pre-established strategies to fulfill the anticipated water demand, incorporating recent projects like the Shoaiba 5 Plant, which introduces a new production system capable of producing 600,000 cubic meters daily using RO technology.

Moreover, initiatives and projects have been executed to enhance the water supply through primary pipelines in Makkah and the holy sites, which will greatly improve services for pilgrims and reinforce the production, transmission, distribution, and strategic storage systems, ensuring the sustainability and reliability of water supply, with divine assistance.