National Water Company successfully distributed 45 million cubic meters of water during Hajj 1445
The National Water Company announced the successful completion of its operational and executive plan for the Hajj season of 1445 AH, as it was able to distribute and pump more than 45 million cubic meters of potable water in the city of Makkah and the holy sites (Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah), from the beginning of Dhu al-Qi’dah until the end of the days of Tashreeq, to meet the needs of millions of pilgrims and ensure their comfort and safety.
Historical context and ongoing efforts
Managing water resources during the Hajj season presents a formidable logistical challenge, given the influx of millions of pilgrims to a specific geographical area within a short timeframe, under a hot desert climate. Throughout history, successive leaders responsible for serving the Two Holy Mosques have prioritized providing water for pilgrims, from historical projects like the Zamzam well and the Ain Zubaydah spring, to the modern infrastructure system that relies primarily on the Kingdom's massive desalination plants, the largest of their kind in the world. The National Water Company's efforts today build upon this great legacy, utilizing the latest technologies to ensure a sustainable water supply.
Details of the operational plan and performance efficiency
The company explained that water management and distribution operations were highly efficient and highly effective, relying on a massive water network extending over 5,700 kilometers and a parallel environmental services (sewage) network exceeding 4,000 kilometers. The company confirmed the continuous flow and pumping of water 24 hours a day without any interruption in the area of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, its courtyards, and all the holy sites, thus contributing to providing adequate and safe quantities of water for the comfort of pilgrims. It noted that operational and field conditions proceeded smoothly and easily, with no significant obstacles encountered in managing its operations.
Water quality and environmental safety
As part of its commitment to service quality, the company stated that the amount of water efficiently treated at its environmental treatment plants exceeded 31 million cubic meters. Furthermore, its mobile and fixed technical and laboratory teams conducted over 100,000 thorough and comprehensive laboratory tests throughout the season to ensure the water meets the highest internationally and locally approved health and safety standards, confirming its suitability for human consumption.
Importance and impact within the framework of Vision 2030
The success of this plan extends beyond the local level, ensuring the comfort and safety of pilgrims. It also enhances the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's standing regionally and internationally, underscoring its exceptional ability to manage the world's largest human gatherings with efficiency and competence. These efforts align directly with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to elevate the quality of services provided to pilgrims and ensure their comfort and peace of mind, enabling them to perform their rituals with ease. The company has already begun early preparations for the upcoming Hajj season of 1446 AH, developing strategic plans to guarantee the sustainability and continuous improvement of services.
