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, say scientists. " The article goes on to explain that this tax will be levied at a rate of 1 percent per year until 2030, when it would increase by another 2 percent. It warned that the practice could soon lead to an environmental and social catastrophe. Groundwater accounts for 98% of water sources in Saudi Arabia, as it has no rivers or lakes, however, reports 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, say scientists. " The article goes on to explain that this tax will be levied at a rate of 1 percent per year until 2030, when it would increase by another 2 percent. Groundwater accounts for 98% of water sources in Saudi Arabia, as it has no rivers or lakes, however, reports 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.