Addressing Water Scarcity and Climate Risks: Sustainable Solutions for Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia

Water scarcity poses a growing challenge in the Al Kharj region of Saudi Arabia, driven by rising water demand, climatic shifts, and unsustainable use of non-renewable resources. This study investigates the key factors contributing to water scarcity and climate vulnerability using a quantitative approach and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) on data from 525 respondents. The findings reveal that climate change (β = 0.426), land use changes (β = 0.247), and population growth (β = 0.153) significantly affect water availability, while economic development (β = 0.145) and poor water management practices (β = 0.066) also contribute to the problem. In addition, population growth and climate change were strongly associated with increased climate risks. These insights suggest that water scarcity in Al Kharj is driven by a nexus of ecological, demographic, and institutional pressures. The implications are that effective policy responses, such as improved land use regulation, investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable water governance frameworks, and public education campaigns, are essential to enhance long-term water security. These findings support the water-related goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and offer practical strategies for managing climate-adaptive water resources in arid regions.