Official Gazette
February 28, 2018 AD – Second Issue
Administrative Decision No. (26) of 2018
Concerning Public Health and Safety of Drinking Water Tanks
in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Chairman of the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities
Having reviewed Law No. (1) of 1974 regarding the reorganization of the governmental apparatus in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and its amending laws.
And Law No. (2) of 2005 concerning the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, as amended by Law No. (5) of 2007.
And Law No. (10) of 2006 concerning the Al Dhafra Region Municipality and Municipal Council in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
And Law No. (10) of 2007 concerning the Abu Dhabi City Municipality and Municipal Council in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
And Law No. (11) of 2007 concerning the Al Ain City Municipality and Municipal Council in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
And Law No. (23) of 2007 concerning the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council and its amendments.
And Law No. (2) of 2008 concerning food in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
And Law No. (2) of 2012 concerning the preservation of public appearance, health, and tranquility in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
And Emiri Decree No. (13) of 2017 concerning the restructuring of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
And based on the requirements for maintaining the health and safety of the community.
It has been decided as follows:
Article (1)
In the application of the provisions of this Decision, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context indicates otherwise:
| The Emirate |
: The Emirate of Abu Dhabi. |
| The Department |
: The Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities. |
| The Concerned Municipality |
: Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Al Ain City Municipality, Al Dhafra Region Municipality, or any municipality that may be established in the future in the Emirate. |
| The Law |
: Law No. (2) of 2012 concerning the preservation of public appearance, health, and tranquility in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. |
| The Code of Practice |
: The Code of Practice for the Inspection and Cleaning of Drinking Water Tanks in Abu Dhabi issued by the Regulation and Supervision Bureau in the Emirate (attached to this Decision). |
Article (2)
This Decision applies to drinking water tanks used in establishments and buildings in the Emirate.
Article (3)
Owners and managers of buildings or establishments must comply with the following:
1- Applying the Code of Practice to control and reduce the risks of contamination by Legionella bacteria or other bacterial pollutants.
2- Taking water samples from the tanks to measure and test for bacterial content and Legionella bacteria according to the time periods specified in the Code of Practice, provided that the testing and sampling of tank water are conducted by specialized laboratories accredited by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council.
3- Documenting the test results and maintaining maintenance and treatment documents on-site for easy inspection by the competent municipality.
Article (4)
The judicial enforcement officer in the concerned municipality shall be responsible for the following:
1- Conducting periodic inspections of drinking water tanks, or upon receiving a complaint.
2- Issuing a report specifying the following:
a- The date of the inspection and the address of the establishment or building.
b- The extent of compliance by building owners and managers with providing maintenance and treatment documents and laboratory test results in accordance with the Code of Practice.
3- In the event that periodic maintenance and treatment documents and laboratory test results are not provided, the judicial enforcement officer shall issue a warning to that effect.
4- In the event that maintenance and treatment documents and laboratory test results are available but violate the Code of Practice, a warning shall be issued to that effect.
5- Closing the drinking water tanks in the event of a contamination incident resulting in poisoning in the building or establishment, provided that a sample is sent for urgent testing at the expense of the owner or building manager to the laboratory. Based on the test result, the necessary action shall be taken regarding the drinking water tanks, whether by closure or impoundment.
Article (5)
The judicial enforcement officer shall record violations and issue the necessary reports in light of the provisions of the Law and this Decision, provided that the violator is notified of the need to remove the causes of the violation at their declared address, by registered mail, or by email within seven days from the date of issuance of the removal order.
Article (6)
This Decision shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall come into force 6 months after the date of its publication.
Falah Mohamed Al Ahbabi
Chairman of the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities
Issued by us:
Date: 18 / Jumada al-Awwal / 1439 H
Corresponding to: 4 / 2 / 2018 AD