As summer approaches there are fears water shortages are going to strike Jeddah, leading to significant hikes in the prices of water tanks as demand increases.

Jeddah suffered water shortages last month and the crisis caused crowds of people to form queues in front of the Ashiab water plant.

The National Water Company also confirmed that it was forced to cut off the water in some Jeddah neighborhoods due to the need to implement emergency maintenance in the area, according to local reports.

Around this time the Kingdom suffers from severe drought conditions due to the low rainfall. It is expected the drought will affect water levels in the Kingdom and have a negative impact on agricultural and animal life in the Kingdom, according to Vice-President of Meteorological Affairs at the National Center for Meteorology and Environment Saad Muhlafi.

Minister of Water and Electricity Abdullah Al-Hussayen told Arab News that Saudi Arabia will have its first solar-powered water desalination plant within two years in Al-Khafji region near Kuwait's border.

"The plant will have a capacity of 30,000 cubic meters and will constitute a turning point in the production of desalinated water in the Kingdom. We are currently producing 60 percent of the desalinated water for municipal use and this ration would increase in the near future. The ministry was making use of surface water through the construction of giant dams in Tihama Sahel, which is rich in water resources," said the minister.

Bushra, who lives in Jeddah, said: “I’m not aware of any water crisis in particular. We are not facing any problems. I always think of using water effectively. It is hard to control water usage during washing and showering, although I try my best.”

“One cannot underestimate the importance of water. Most women use water inefficiently. I am very careful when using water during showers. I have always done that regardless of any water crisis we may be facing now,” said 35-year-old Jeddawi Nashwa.

She also said when she travels to Taif every summer with her family, they have to buy tankers full of water weekly and sometimes every three days.

“A few days ago, while showering after a workout at my gym in Jeddah, we ran out of water for more than a half-hour. The supervisor said that it was due to water shortages. I was very surprised.”

Ahmed, who is 55 and also lives in Jeddah, said: “During the summer season, water consumption increases. Most workers and laborers cannot help but take frequent showers to keep themselves clean, especially during the heat. In large households, mothers allow their children to stay in the shower for a very long time. People take showers for more than half an hour under constantly running water. This must be avoided. The municipal releases water in our district for only two to three days a week and we have to store water in our homes for personal use. If we experience any shortages then members in the building chip in to buy extra tankers, costing us more money.”