Dammam Wastewater Treatment Plant - Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

The Dammam Wastewater Treatment Plant is a major facility located in Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. It serves a population of approximately 1.5 million, making it one of the largest wastewater treatment plants in the region. The plant is owned under a 25-year concession by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) and operated by a consortium including Metito, Mowah Co, and Orascom Construction. The plant employs Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technology to provide secondary treatment. It has a designed capacity of 200,000 m³/day and currently operates at full capacity, treating an equal volume of wastewater daily. The treated effluent is not discharged to a natural water body but is fully reused for landscape and agricultural irrigation, aligning with Saudi Arabia's water conservation and reuse strategies. Situated within 10 km of the Arabian Gulf coast, the plant plays a critical role in protecting marine ecosystems by preventing untreated wastewater discharge. Its reuse program supports local agriculture and green spaces, reducing demand on freshwater resources. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the National Water Company (NWC), ensuring compliance with national standards for water quality and reuse.

The plant is located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, within 10 km of the Arabian Gulf coast. By treating and reusing wastewater for irrigation, it prevents nutrient and pollutant loads from entering the Gulf, protecting sensitive coastal and marine habitats. The reuse program also supports local agriculture and landscaping in an arid region, reducing reliance on desalinated or groundwater sources. The Arabian Gulf is a semi-enclosed sea with high salinity and limited water exchange, making it vulnerable to eutrophication and pollution; the plant's zero-discharge approach helps maintain water quality and biodiversity in this ecologically sensitive area.