Saudi relies on groundwater and water from desalination plants that remove salt from seawater but the desalination process is extremely energy intensive. Saudi Arabia has started taxing water for the first time , as the nation 's unsustainable use of water is fast depleting its reserves ; unless action is taken it could soon lead to an environmental and social catastrophe , warn scientists . " Official estimates have been disclosed showing an acute drop in water levels in agricultural areas , and that indicates the seriousness of the situation " , warns Mohammed Al - Ghamdi of King Faisal University . Water accounts for 98 % of water sources in Saudi Arabia , as it has no rivers or lakes , however , studies reveal that the reservoirs in central Saudi Arabia have " turned into sand pits " . Saudi Arabia is already grappling with the collapse in oil prices and military expenses in Syria and Yemen , burning through its foreign reserves at an alarming pace . This follows our report last week warning at least two - thirds of the global population live severe water scarcity for at least one month a year .
Saudi Arabia has started taxing water for the first time , as the nation 's unsustainable use of water is fast depleting its reserves ; unless action is taken it could soon lead to an environmental and social catastrophe , warn scientists . " Official estimates have been disclosed showing an acute drop in water levels in agricultural areas , and that indicates the seriousness of the situation " , warns Mohammed Al - Ghamdi of King Faisal University . Water accounts for 98 % of water sources in Saudi Arabia , as it has no rivers or lakes , however , studies reveal that the reservoirs in central Saudi Arabia have " turned into sand pits " . Saudi Arabia is already grappling with the collapse in oil prices and military expenses in Syria and Yemen , burning through its foreign reserves at an alarming pace . This follows our report last week warning at least two - thirds of the global population live severe water scarcity for at least one month a year .