Residents in Madinah are now trying to acquire water from tanker owners after being faced with serious water shortages.

Suppliers are allegedly taking advantage of this situation by mixing saltwater with regular water despite a warning issued by the General Directorate of Water and the Municipality of Madinah.

Mustafa Ali, an eyewitness, said that although tankers are marked with the words “pure, fresh water,” the water inside is salty.

However, Hussam Ahmad said that at crowded water distribution centers, some customers settle for even saltwater to avoid the long wait.