Abstract
Water resources management in Saudi Arabia-a region of water scarcity-is characterized by heavy use of nonrenewable supplies, desalination, and growing demand that outstrips supply. Saudi water resources management is compared with US state government water management approaches. Specific topics covered are: water law; planning, management, and coordination processes; organizational structure; infrastructure development; water-quality management; conservation programs; regulation; standards and enforcement; and support functions. Among the water policy elements needing urgent attention in Saudi Arabia are an overall management system, water law and regulations for groundwater and water quality management, and water security.