National Water Company's preparations for the 1447 Hajj season include 3.5 million cubic meters
Exceptional preparations to serve the pilgrims during the Hajj season of 1447 AH
As part of its ongoing efforts to provide the best services to pilgrims, the National Water Company has confirmed the readiness of its operational plan for water and wastewater services in Makkah and the Holy Sites for this year's Hajj season (1447 AH). These preparations reflect the directives of the wise leadership, which is always keen to dedicate all capabilities and resources to ensure the comfort of pilgrims and enable them to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind.
The historical context of the development of water services in Hajj
Historically, providing water to pilgrims has been a great honor and a significant responsibility passed down through generations in the Arabian Peninsula. Since the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, water services for pilgrims have witnessed tremendous leaps forward. From relying on traditional sources and historical springs like Ain Zubaydah, they have transformed into a massive institutional system utilizing the latest desalination technologies, strategic transportation networks, and giant reservoirs. This historic development reflects the Kingdom's unwavering and continuous commitment to developing the infrastructure of Mecca and the Holy Sites to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims year after year.
Strategic importance and expected impact
The success of the National Water Company's operational plan is of paramount importance at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, this success highlights the efficiency of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure and its ability to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 related to the program for serving pilgrims. Regionally and internationally, providing water and managing sanitation for millions of pilgrims in a limited geographical area and within a short timeframe serves as a global model for crowd management and securing vital resources, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leader of the Islamic world and its capacity to host the largest human gatherings efficiently and effectively.
Numbers and facts: Strategic stockpiling and national cadres
The National Water Company explained that its operational plan is managed on the ground by more than 2,400 trained Saudi personnel, including a select group of engineers, technicians, and administrators. The plan is primarily based on providing a massive operational and strategic water storage capacity of up to 3.5 million cubic meters. This work is carried out in full coordination with all relevant authorities to ensure the continuity of service throughout the Hajj season.
The plan also includes continuous, round-the-clock pumping of water to the Grand Mosque and the holy sites, with an average daily volume exceeding 760,000 cubic meters. This water is distributed through a sophisticated network spanning over 5,700 kilometers. The daily pumping rate is expected to increase progressively to one million cubic meters on the days of Arafah and Eid al-Adha to meet the growing demand.
Advanced development projects and environmental services
In terms of environmental services, the company has worked to improve the readiness of the sewage networks, which extend for more than 4,000 kilometers. Furthermore, the environmental treatment plants have been upgraded to a high level of efficiency, treating more than 750,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily at the Hadda and Arna plants, thus ensuring the preservation of the sanitary environment of the holy sites.
To ensure this operational excellence, the company completed early implementation of 12 capital and operational projects aimed at improving infrastructure, raising operational efficiency, and increasing the capacity of transmission and distribution lines.
Modern technology and water quality assurance
The National Water Company has not neglected the technical aspect, employing the latest technologies in managing operations. Digital monitoring and control centers track water pressure in the networks and water levels in reservoirs around the clock. To ensure the highest quality standards, more than 4,000 laboratory tests are conducted daily through central and mobile laboratories, providing the finest services to pilgrims from their arrival until their safe departure.
