Concerning
Sewerage, Irrigation, and
Water Drainage in the
Emirate of Dubai[1]
ــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ
We,
Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Chairman of the Dubai
Municipality,
After perusal of:
The powers legally vested in Us pursuant to
the Order Establishing the Dubai Municipality;
Local Order No. (99) of 1996 Imposing a Fixed Fee
for Using the Sewerage Network of the Emirate of Dubai, issued on 2 March 1996;
and
The presentation of the Director General of
the Dubai Municipality, and
For the purpose of achieving the public
interest,
Do
hereby issue this Order.
This Order will be cited as “Local Order No.
(8) of 2002 Concerning Sewerage, Irrigation, and Water Drainage in the Emirate
of Dubai”, and will come into force on the date on which it is published in the
Official Gazette.
The
following words and expressions, wherever mentioned in this Order, will have
the meaning indicated opposite each of them unless the context implies
otherwise:
|
Emirate: |
The Emirate of Dubai. |
|
DM: |
The Dubai Municipality. |
|
Competent Department: |
The Sewerage and Irrigation Department of the DM. |
|
Concerned Organisational Unit: |
Any department, section, or division at the DM
concerned with sewerage, irrigation, and water drainage. |
|
Person: |
A natural person or a public or private legal
person. |
|
Building: |
Any structure that is designated for residential
purposes or for conducting an economic activity. |
|
Owner: |
A natural person or a public or private legal person
in whose name land or a Building is registered, in his capacity as the owner
or possessor of the same; or his legal representative.
|
|
Permit Holder: |
A Person who obtains a Permit from the Competent
Department to conduct any works related to sewerage, Water drainage, or Water
reuse. |
|
Public Sewerage Network: |
The installations and equipment used for the
collection, transportation, and delivery of Wastewater to treatment or
drainage facilities. This includes pipelines, storage tanks, inspection
chambers, pumping stations, Manholes, ventilation valves, and other related
installations. |
|
Private Sewerage Network: |
Sewerage installations within a Building and any
connected components, including traps, Manholes, and inspection chambers
located within the boundaries of the land on which the Building is
constructed, up to the point of connection with the Public Sewerage Network. |
|
Rainwater Drainage Network: |
All installations for draining rainwater,
groundwater, and surface water, including associated drainage points,
Cesspools, pumping stations, culverts, and other related installations. |
|
Public Irrigation Network: |
All visible and concealed installations and
equipment provided by the DM for the transportation and distribution of
irrigation water. This includes any Manholes, pumps, valves, tanks,
Sprinklers, Drippers, and other related installations. |
|
Manhole: |
Any room or box that forms part of a sewerage
network, the Rainwater Drainage Network, or the Public Irrigation Network and
that is used for connection, drainage, inspection, or general maintenance
purposes. |
|
Water: |
This includes rainwater, groundwater, and any other collected
surface water. |
|
Soakaway: |
An area of bare land surrounded by a compacted earth
bund, used to drain groundwater. |
|
Wastewater: |
Water that has been used and mixed with Waste generated
from human, domestic, or similar activities, including any Water that is
unfit for use without treatment. |
|
Treatment Plant: |
All structures, devices, and equipment designed to
receive and treat Wastewater by removing suspended organic and inorganic
solids and improving Water quality to minimise risks to public health and the
environment. |
|
Septic Tank: |
A watertight tank made of concrete, cement blocks,
fiberglass, or other materials resistant to leakage and corrosion; and designed
and constructed, in accordance with certain technical specifications and
standards, to enable partial anaerobic decomposition of organic matter
existing in the Wastewater discharged into this tank. |
|
Connection Chamber: |
A watertight chamber made of concrete or cement blocks,
designed to be the final inspection chamber within the Private Sewerage
Network of a Building. |
|
Cesspool: |
A watertight pit made of concrete or cement blocks,
designed to receive, and drain Wastewater through side openings that allow
liquids to seep into the surrounding soil. |
|
Discharge Point: |
A designated location within connection point of the
Public Sewerage Network designated for discharging the Wastewater, drawn by
Vacuum Tankers from Septic Tanks and Cesspools, and is authorised to be discharged
into the Public Sewerage Network. |
|
Vacuum Tanker: |
A vehicle that is equipped with a metal tank of
specific capacity and approved by the Competent Department for use in pumping
out and transporting Wastewater. |
|
Biological Oxygen Demand: |
The amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria to biologically
decompose the organic matter present in Wastewater. |
|
Chemical Oxygen Demand: |
The amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidise
the organic matter present in Wastewater. |
|
Grease Trap: |
A specially engineered device connected to Private
Sewerage Networks in commercial kitchens, restaurants, food factories,
hotels, and similar establishments designed to separate food oils and grease
from Wastewater before it is discharged into the Public Sewerage Network or
Septic Tanks. |
|
Oil Trap: |
A specially engineered device designed to separate
oils and grease from Wastewater before it is discharged into the Public
Sewerage Network or Septic Tanks. |
|
Sand Trap: |
A tank designed, in accordance with the
specifications prescribed by the Competent Department and used for the
sedimentation of sand suspended in Water, typically from construction sites,
before it is discharged into the Rainwater Drainage Network.
|
|
Valve Box: |
A protective enclosure, typically made of reinforced
plastic, used to safeguard electrical valves. |
|
Buried Pipes: |
All underground pipelines used for transporting
Wastewater, rainwater, or irrigation water. |
|
Visible Pipes: |
All overground pipelines used for transporting
irrigation water or for draining rainwater and ground water for construction
sites. |
|
Sprinkler: |
A device connected to irrigation Buried Pipes and used
for spraying green areas with Water. |
|
Dripper: |
Perforated hoses fitted on Visible Pipes and used
for supplying drip irrigation Water to ornamental trees and plants. |
The
Competent Department is responsible for planning, designing, and constructing
all Public Sewerage Networks and Treatment Plants in the Emirate. It is also
responsible for fully supervising and controlling the operation and maintenance
of these networks and plants.
No
Person may connect a Building’s Private Sewerage Network to the Public Sewerage
Network, or make any modifications or change to the pipelines of the Public
Sewerage Network or to the sewerage system without first obtaining the relevant
approval from the Competent Department and other Concerned Organisational Units
of the DM.
For
the purpose of obtaining the approval referred to in the preceding paragraph,
an application for connecting a Private Sewerage Network to the Public Sewerage
Network must be submitted to the Competent Department at least three (3) months
prior to the Building’s scheduled completion date.
The
Competent Department will, based on the plans submitted by the Owner, determine
the locations and the number of connection points of the Private Sewerage
Network of a Building with the Public Sewerage Network and with the Rainwater
Drainage Network.
Where
an Owner wishes to change the location or number of such connection points, he
must submit a new application for this purpose and pay the relevant prescribed
fees.
No
Person may establish a Wastewater Treatment Plant without first obtaining the
relevant written approval from the Competent Department. Additionally, no
Person may use the treated Water, or any sludge produced by a Treatment Plant,
without first conducting the necessary chemical and microbiological tests and
obtaining the relevant approval from the Competent Department and the Concerned
Organisational Units of the DM.
Direct
discharge of Wastewater collected by Vacuum Tankers from Cesspools and Septic
Tanks of Buildings into the Public Sewerage Network will be subject to the
relevant requirements and rules prescribed by the Competent Department.
No
industrial Wastewater may be discharged into the Public Sewerage Network unless
the Competent Department verifies that the Wastewater meets the requirements,
rules, and standards prescribed by the Competent Department for this purpose.
An
Owner must connect the drainage pipelines from air conditioning units and
balconies to the Private Sewerage Network of his Building.
The
design of the Private Sewerage Network of a Building is subject to the
requirements and specifications prescribed by the Competent Department and the
other Concerned Organisational Units of the DM.
The
Private Sewerage Network of a Building, including the pipes used, must meet the
requirements and specifications prescribed by the Concerned Organisational Unit
of the DM in coordination with the Competent Department.
An
application for a Permit to construct a Private Sewerage Network for Wastewater
must be submitted by the Owner on the form prescribed by the Concerned
Organisational Unit and the Competent Department for this purpose, accompanied
by the following documents:
1. the
plans and detailed drawings of the proposed Private Sewerage Network and
system;
2. the
drawings illustrating the design and operation of the proposed Private Sewerage
Network system; and
3. a
detailed report on the preventive and maintenance measures to be implemented.
Wastewater
of a Building will be discharged from the Private Sewerage Network into the
Public Sewerage Network using the natural flow rule. Where it is impossible to
apply this rule for constructional reasons beyond the Owner's control, the
Owner of the Building must obtain the initial approval of the Competent Department
to design and install pumps to raise Wastewater level to allow natural flow,
provided that such pumps:
1. meet
the requirements and specification determined by the Competent Department; and
2. are
equipped with non-return valves that prevent reverse flow of Wastewater from
the Public Sewerage Network to the Private Sewerage Network.
The
Owner must carry out regular maintenance for these pumps as required.
The
covers of Connection Chambers of a Building must meet the specifications prescribed
by the Competent Department. Where a Connection Chamber is located outside of
the Building or on Vehicles passageway, its cover must be capable of
withstanding heavy loads.
A
Private Sewerage Network of a restaurant, cafeteria, food factory, fast-food
outlet, hotel, or a similar establishment must have Grease Traps that meet the
requirements and specifications prescribed by the Competent Department.
Upon
applying for a new licence or renewal of licence, the Competent Department may
conduct a field inspection of the establishment to verify whether or not Grease
Traps are installed. The Competent Department may also conduct regular
inspections of the establishment to verify the safe operation and maintenance
of the installed traps.
Without
prejudice to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Competent
Department may authorise any of the above-mentioned establishments, except for
food factories, to conduct its activities prior to installing Grease Traps, provided
that they pay a security deposit to ensure the installation of these traps
within forty-five (45) days from the authorisation date, in accordance with the
requirements prescribed by the Competent Department for such an authorisation.
The
Schedule of Security Deposits attached to this Order and approved by Us will
determine the value of the security deposit prescribed for this purpose.
Oil
factories and car wash stations must have traps to separate oil from wash water
before discharging it into the Public Sewerage Network, Septic Tanks,
Cesspools, or any other location designated and approved for this purpose by
the Competent Department.
For
the purpose of implementing the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the
Competent Department may, in addition to imposing the penalties prescribed by
this Order, require the suspension of water supply to an establishment in any
of the following cases:
1. where
the trap separating oil from Water at an establishment is found to be non-functional;
2. where
the trap separating oil from Water does not operate efficiently, as required to
meet operational and health standards; or
3. where
laboratory tests establish that the oil content in the Water exceeds the limits
prescribed by the Competent Department for discharge into the Public Sewerage
Network.
No
Person may discharge Wastewater into the Public Sewerage Network if doing so
may increase the biological or chemical load on the Treatment Plant beyond its
operational capacity; if the Wastewater contains toxic or hazardous substances;
or if the Wastewater does not meet, or conform to, the specifications,
requirements, and standards prescribed by the Competent Department.
Where
Wastewater discharged into Public Sewerage Network contains any of the
substances referred to in the preceding Article, or where the Wastewater does
not meet the specifications and requirements prescribed
by the Competent Department, the Competent Department may:
1. close
the Private Sewerage Network to prevent the discharge of Wastewater into the
Public Sewerage Network;
2. require
the violator to treat the Wastewater generated to meet the standards specified
by the Competent Department for discharging Wastewater into the Public Sewerage
Network; or
3. require
the violator to remedy any damage resulting from the violation.
The
Competent Department may authorise the discharge of Wastewater pumped out by
Vacuum Tankers from Septic Tanks and Cesspools into the Public Sewerage Network
only through the Discharge Points designated by the Competent Department for
this purpose. In this case, the Wastewater must meet the relevant
specifications prescribed for discharging Wastewater into the Public Sewerage
Network.
The
Competent Department may collect samples from the Vacuum Tankers transporting
Wastewater when they reach Discharge Points to conduct laboratory tests and
verify their compliance with the approved standard specifications for the type
of Wastewater authorised for discharge into the Public Sewerage Network.
No
sludge resulting from Treatment Plants may be used for fertilisation purposes
unless it is thermally treated and cleared of all types of microbes, larvae,
and other development stages, pathogens, and parasites. Such usage is subject
to obtaining the approval of the Competent Department, which will be issued
based on the results of the necessary laboratory tests.
No
Person may open, fill up, cover, or conceal any Manholes or inspection chambers
of the Public Sewerage Network; or construct any structures, install any
barriers, or plant any trees that may compromise the safety, or obstruct the
maintenance, of the Public Sewerage Network.
An
Owner will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Private
Sewerage Networks of his Building and for addressing any blockages, overflows,
or leakages occurring therein.
Where
the Competent Department determines that a Private Sewerage Network or any of
its internal extensions is in a condition that poses a risk to public health or
does not meet the prescribed requirements and specifications, it may take the necessary
measures to rectify the situation and hold the Owner liable for all incurred
costs.
The
Competent Department will have the duties of planning, designing, and implementing
all Rainwater Drainage Networks in the Emirate; determining Water drainage
points; and overseeing and fully supervising the operation and maintenance of
these networks.
No Person may:
a. discharge
Water into the Public Sewerage Network or a Private Sewerage Network. Notwithstanding
the provisions of this paragraph, Water may be discharged into the Rainwater
Drainage Network subject to obtaining a written approval from the Competent
Department and meeting the conditions and requirements prescribed by the
Competent Department for this purpose; or
b. discharge
Wastewater into the Rainwater Drainage Network.
No
Person may dewater and discharge Water from construction sites, projects, or
excavations into the Rainwater Drainage Network without a written permit issued
by the Competent Department, which will specify the methods and means of discharge
methods, including:
1. the
number of dewatering points for each site;
2. the
total length, in metres, of the dewatering site when using deep wells for
dewatering instead of points;
3. the
number and capacity of the dewatering pumps for each site;
4. the
diameter of the pipe draining into the Rainwater Drainage Network;
5. the
location and number of the authorised drainage points; and
6. the
specifications of the sedimentation tank used for discharge.
Where
culverts, drainage basins, or direct discharge into the sea are used, a Person employing
any of these methods must pay the security deposit prescribed in the Table of
Security Deposits attached hereto, to ensure indemnification for the DM against
any relevant damage that may occur to the Rainwater Drainage Network or
drainage sites.
A
Permit Holder must take the following measures to protect Rainwater Drainage
Networks and maintain public safety at the construction site:
1. providing
a sand trap as per the requirements and rules prescribed by the Competent
Department, and maintaining the cleanliness of such trap at all times;
2. closing
the inspection chamber covers and Rainwater Drainage Network Manhole openings during
and after use;
3. placing
temporary barriers on the roads and driveways as required by the Concerned
Organisational Unit of the DM;
4. providing
safety requirements and equipment and warning signs on roads and at construction
sites;
5. ensuring
that dewatering pipes are securely closed to prevent any leakage;
6. placing
an oil-resistant or oil-absorbent material under pumps to prevent degradation or
damage to roads and pavements in the event of any oil leakage from these pumps;
7. providing
continuous supervision of the dewatering site to ensure control over any leakage
from or overflow of drainage Manholes;
8. placing
a warning mesh fence around the sand traps and drainage points; and
9. taking
any other measures required by the Competent Department.
Without
prejudice to the mandatory measures
stipulated in the preceding Article, a Permit Holder must ensure that the
approved drainage basin has no infiltration or leakage that may affect the
surrounding area.
In
the event that infiltration or a leakage is detected, the Permit Holder must
suspend the drainage process and comply with the emergency instructions issued
to him by the Competent Department
A
Permit Holder must, following completion of the Water drainage, restore the construction
site to its original state. This includes demolishing the drainage basin, retiling
pavements where culverts are used, and repairing any damage to public property resulting
from such drainage.
The
Permit Holder will be required to obtain a certificate from the Competent
Department confirming compliance with the requirements stipulated in this
Article.
A
Permit Holder must keep copies of the permits issued to him by the Competent
Department at the construction site at all times to enable the DM competent
employees, who inspect the site, to access these permits.
An
Owner must provide a functional
system to drain rainwater from his Building and its parking lot in accordance
with the relevant requirements and rules determined by the Competent
Department.
Water
resulting from air conditioning; from cleaning air conditioning equipment; or
from cleaning balconies of a Building may not be discharged into the Rainwater
Drainage Network. This Water may be discharged into the Private Sewerage
Network of the Building.
An
Owner may not change or divert the pipelines of the Rainwater Drainage Network
of his Building or its appurtenances without first obtaining the written
approval of the Competent Department.
The
Competent Department will have the duties of planning, designing, and implementing
Public Irrigation Networks in the Emirate, as well as fully supervising the
operation and maintenance of these networks.
No
Person may use treated sewage Water for drinking or any other human uses.
However, treated sewage Water may be used for other purposes, subject to
obtaining a relevant prior permit from the Competent Department. The permit
will specify the approved type of use and maximum quantity allowed.
In
addition to obtaining the permit referred to in the preceding Article, a Permit
Holder must comply with the following requirements and rules:
1. installing
a meter approved by the Competent Department at the designated location to
measure the quantity of irrigation water that may be drawn from the Public
Irrigation Network;
2. implementing
any emergency or urgent instructions issued to him by the Competent Department
to immediately suspend the use of irrigation water where required;
3. notifying
the Competent Department of his intention to cease using the Water or to change
the location from which the Water is drawn, at least three (3) days prior to
the scheduled date of change or cessation; and
4. not
exceeding the quantity of Water stated in the permit unless he obtains a new
permit.
No
structures or barriers may be constructed, no excavations may be carried out,
and no trees may be planted, in any areas that may compromise the safety, or
cause leak in or damage to, the Public Irrigation Network. In addition, it is
prohibited to cover or conceal any part of this network or any of its facilities.
In
return for providing its services, the Competent Department will collect the
fees indicated opposite each of these services in the Table of Fees attached to
this Order and approved by Us.
All
local Government departments, ministries, public authorities and corporations,
and mosques will be exempted from payment of the fees prescribed under this
Order.
The
inspectors and employees of the Competent Department and those nominated by the
Director General of the DM for this purpose, will have the capacity of law
enforcement officers to record the acts committed in breach of the provisions
of this Order and the resolutions or instructions issued in pursuance hereof.
For this purpose, they may access and inspect public areas of Buildings and
establishments and issue the necessary violation reports.
Without
prejudice to any stricter penalty prescribed by any other legislation, any
Person who violates the provisions of this Order and the resolutions or
instructions issued in pursuance hereof will be punished by a fine of no more
than ten thousand dirhams (AED 10,000.00). Upon repetition of the same
violation within one (1) year from the date of the previous violation, the
amount of the fine will be doubled. A fine must not exceed forty thousand
dirhams (AED 40,000.00).
In
addition to the prescribed penalty, the Competent Department may take one or
more of the following measures against a violator:
1. suspend
water and electricity services for the Building in which the violation occurs
until the violation is remedied;
2. suspend
or revoke the permits issued pursuant to the provisions of this Order for the
period prescribed by the Competent Department; or
3. close
of establishment for not less than one (1) week and not more than one (1)
month.
The
Director General of the DM will issue a resolution determining the acts
constituting violations hereunder and the penalties prescribed for each
violation.
In
addition to the penalties and measures stipulated in the preceding Article, a
Person who causes any damage to the Public Sewerage Network, Rainwater Drainage
Network, or Public Irrigation Network or any of their facilities, will be
liable for the damages and for the repair costs of these networks based on a
report prepared by the DM for this purpose.
The
security deposit amount collected pursuant to paragraph (2) of Article (15) of
this Order will be withheld in any of the following cases:
a. the
lapse of the period specified in the permit issued for a food establishment
without fixing the Grease Trap; or
b. failure
by a food establishment to comply with the terms of the permit issued to it by
the Competent Department.
The
security deposit amount collected pursuant to paragraph (b) of Article (27) of
this Order will be withheld if the drainage culvert and basin, or the drainage
installations linked directly to sea, are not removed and the site specified in
the Permit is not restored to its original condition within three (3) months
after completing the drainage works.
Where
a violator fails to remedy a violation within the time frame prescribed by the
Competent Department, the Competent Department may remedy the violation by
itself or by engaging any competent entity from within or outside of the DM.
Without
prejudice to the penalties prescribed for violations, a violator will be liable
for payment of repair costs in addition to twenty-five per cent (25%) of these
costs as administrative fees.
For
the purpose of ensuring compliance by all Persons with the provisions of this
Order and the resolutions or instructions issued in pursuance hereof, the DM
may seek assistance from local Government entities and public authorities and
corporations, including police personnel. Upon request, these entities must
provide the DM with support and assistance as soon as practicable.
The
fees and fines, the security deposits, and any other costs or amounts collected
pursuant to this Order will be paid to the DM.
Local
Order No. (99) of 1996 Imposing a Fee for Using the Sewerage Network of the
Emirate of Dubai is hereby repealed.
Any
provision in any other local order is also hereby repealed to the extent that
it contradicts the provisions of this Order.
The
Director General of the DM will issue any resolutions and instructions required
for the implementation of this Order.
Hamdan
bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Deputy Ruler of Dubai
Chairman of the Dubai Municipality
Issued in Dubai on 16 November 2002
Corresponding
to 11 Ramadan 1423 A.H.
|
SN |
Description |
Fees |
|
1 |
Application for connecting the Private Sewerage
Network or a commercial or investment Building with the Public Sewerage Network: |
|
|
Main Connection Application: |
Fifty fils (AED 0.50) per square feet of the total
area of the Building or of any future structures, excluding the areas
allocated for car parks. This fee may not be less than ten thousand dirhams
(AED 10,000.00) and not more than two hundred thousand dirhams (AED
200,000.00) |
|
|
Additional Connection Application |
Five thousand dirhams (AED 5,000.00) or the costs of
the additional connection, whichever is higher. |
|
|
2 |
Application for main or additional connection of the
Private Sewerage Network of a residential Building with the Public Sewerage
Network: |
Fifty fils (AED 0.50) per square foot of the total
area of the Building. This fee may not be less than one thousand dirhams (AED
1,000.00) and not more than two hundred thousand dirhams (AED 200,000.00).
For additional connection, a fee of one thousand dirhams (AED 1,000.00) or
the costs of the additional connection, whichever is higher, will apply. |
|
3 |
Application for main or additional connection of the
Private Sewerage Network of a Building designated for car parks with the
Public Sewerage Network: |
Ten thousand dirhams (AED 10,000.00) for main
connection, or five thousand dirhams (AED 5,000.00) or the costs of the
additional connection, whichever is higher. |
|
4 |
Application for a temporary connection of the sewers
of an under-construction Building with the Public Sewerage Network. |
Five thousand dirhams (AED 5,000.00) or the costs of
the connection, whichever is higher. |
|
5 |
Application for determining new locations and number
of connection points of a Private Sewerage Network with the Public Sewerage
Network |
(AED 100.00) per application |
|
6 |
Discharging the load of a Vacuum Tanker into the
Public Sewerage Network |
Ten dirhams (AED 10.00) per load |
|
7 |
Dewatering at a construction site |
Twenty-five fils (AED 0.25) per drainage point or per
linear metre per day, with a minimum fee of one hundred dirhams (AED 100.00)
for each dewatering operation. |
|
8 |
Dewatering of groundwater by the contractors of
Government projects |
One thousand dirhams (AED 1,000.00) per month. |
|
9 |
Using treated sewage water |
Half a fils (AED 0.005) per gallon |
|
10 |
Application for changing the location of a
Connection Chamber, altering a rainwater drainage point, or diverting the
pipelines of a Private Sewerage Network. |
The fee will be determined based on the costs
incurred by the Competent Department under the relevant contract concluded
with the contractor, in addition to twenty-five percent (25%) of this fee as
administrative fees. |
|
SN |
Description |
Security Deposits |
|
1 |
Security deposit for installing Grease Traps within
the time frames prescribed by the Competent Department |
AED 5,000.00 |
|
2 |
Security deposit for using a drainage basin at a
construction site or for direct discharge into the sea |
AED 10,000.00 |
|
3 |
Security deposit for employing culverts during
construction |
AED 5,000.00 |
Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Deputy Ruler of Dubai
Chairman of the Dubai Municipality
©2024 The Supreme Legislation
Committee in the Emirate of Dubai
[1]Every effort has been made to produce an
accurate and complete English version of this legislation. However, for the
purpose of its interpretation and application, reference must be made to the
original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail.