The Supreme Administrative Court recently issued a ruling that requires a desalination company to pay groundwater bills for 2024. This decision aligns with Decree-Law No. (12) of 1980, which regulates groundwater use in Bahrain. The ruling strengthens the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture’s ongoing efforts to ensure proper groundwater management.
The Ministry highlighted the importance of regulating groundwater resources. It stressed that enforcing payments for water usage is crucial to maintain these resources for future generations. Furthermore, the Ministry reminded all consumers of their responsibility to comply with applicable laws and decisions governing groundwater use.
In addition to the ruling, the Ministry called on all groundwater well owners to update their well data. Individuals and organizations, including public and private institutions, must update their data through the Ministry’s website, or by visiting the Local Agricultural Production Directorate in Hoora A’ali. The deadline for this update is three months from the issuance of Circular No. (1) of 2025.
Additionally, the Ministry instructed well owners to replace existing water meters with smart electromagnetic meters. These meters, which must be equipped with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), offer significant advantages. They provide high accuracy in measuring water consumption and allow real-time data transmission. The Ministry approved these meters to improve water resource management and promote efficient groundwater use.
This update forms part of the Ministry’s larger effort to protect groundwater from depletion. By replacing old meters with smart meters, the Ministry can manage resources more effectively. The Ministry has set a six-month deadline for all users to replace outdated meters with the approved smart models.
Groundwater use regulation plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of Bahrain’s water resources. The recent court ruling and the Ministry’s directives aim to enhance water conservation efforts across the country.
