A New Benchmark in Saudi Municipal Wastewater
On September 1, 2026, a consortium led by Jiangsu United Water Technology Co., Ltd. (United Water) and Armada Holding Company signed Package 10 (Northern Region) of Saudi Arabia’s long-term operation and maintenance (LTOM) projects with National Water Company (NWC) at NWC headquarters in Riyadh. The LTOM Package 10 contract covers nine municipal wastewater treatment plants across eight cities in four northern provinces, with total treatment capacity of 337,800 cubic meters per day. The O&M term is 15 years, including a three-year non-stop rehabilitation period. Total projected operating revenue is SAR 1.3056 billion, approximately CNY 2.366 billion.
The contract was signed by Dr. Fuad bin Ahmed Al Sheikh Mubarak, NWC CEO; Liu Meng, director and executive president of United Water; and Jamaan Al Jamaan, general manager of Armada Holding. Senior officers from NWC, United Water, and Armada attended as witnesses. The signing follows an award notification received in early 2026 and represents a major step from bid award to project execution.
According to the report, NWC CEO praised the signing of Package 10 and the consortium’s success in Package 11, and expressed hope for long-term cooperation in sewage treatment and recycled water. Liu Meng noted that this is the first time NWC has awarded a municipal wastewater operation contract to a consortium led by a Chinese water company, emphasizing the consortium’s commitment.
Scope Goes Beyond Routine Operation
This is not a conventional O&M-only contract. The scope includes rehabilitation and upgrading of processes, equipment, and pipe networks for nine plants, plus new sludge drying facilities and full-cycle operation and maintenance over 15 years. Performance must satisfy Saudi national standards for treated effluent, sludge quality, and environmental compliance. The project company is 100% owned by the consortium, and NWC will pay through capacity charges, output charges, and standby charges. The consortium is responsible for survey, design, investment, financing, construction, and operations, completing all performance indicators.
For water industry buyers, this contract structure shows how Saudi Arabia is shifting toward performance-based, whole-life asset management. Operators are not simply running facilities; they are accountable for asset condition, treatment reliability, and resource recovery.
What This Means for Filtration Buyers and Partners
The Saudi water market under Vision 2030 and the National Water Strategy 2030 is opening rapidly. Global operators and technology suppliers are being invited to improve efficiency and water sustainability. For companies that supply filtration media, cartridges, and separation equipment, this creates an important opportunity: performance-based contracts increase demand for predictable, high-quality consumables and parts.
Long O&M periods place stress on pre-filtration, membrane protection, and sludge handling. Upstream coarse filtration affects every downstream treatment train. At Spuretek Filtration, we supply industrial coarse-filtration solutions that fit this operating environment. Our SHF big-flow pleated filter cartridges are designed for high-throughput water applications and can extend the life of downstream membranes. Our SSSP stainless steel pleated filters provide reusable, corrosion-resistant protection for challenging feed streams. For sludge or process stream solids control, our SFB filter bags offer economical and reliable coarse filtration. These products are relevant for operators and EPC partners who need filtration components that perform consistently over long service intervals.
Strategic Implications for the Region
Saudi Arabia is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. The government has made massive investment commitments to expand wastewater treatment and reuse. The LTOM program is designed to bring international expertise through public tenders. This award signals that NWC is willing to trust Asian operators, not just European or local companies, with critical municipal infrastructure.
For Chinese and other international suppliers, the deal creates a reference for future collaboration. Package 10 also aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, where technical services and operations are becoming as important as equipment exports. The successful execution of Package 10 could open doors to nearby Gulf markets with similar water stress.
Planning for Reliability from Day One
With 15 years of commitment, the consortium will need robust supply chains for filtration and separation. Operators should evaluate filter housings, cartridges, bags, and strainers as part of system reliability planning, not just procurement line items. Working with a manufacturer that understands coarse filtration can reduce downtime, protect pumps and membranes, and help meet environmental standards.
Spuretek Filtration Co., Ltd. can provide guidance on choosing the right pre-filtration and coarse filtration products for municipal and industrial water treatment. Visit https://www.spuretek.com to discuss your requirements.
Source: H2O-China — United Water signs Saudi municipal wastewater long-term O&M contract Package 10.
Based on reporting by H2O-China. Original analysis and product perspective by Spuretek Filtration Co., Ltd.. Read the source.