UAE Water Quality Regulations 2025: Full Breakdown with Laws, Limits & Stakeholder Responsibilities
WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS 2025 08 April 25
As of January 1, 2025, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) officially implemented the Water Quality Regulations 2025. This sixth edition reflects global standards while emphasizing local challenges—especially in the face of climate stress and rapid urban growth.
These regulations are legally binding for residential, commercial, and industrial users, requiring stricter monitoring, reporting, and compliance throughout the water supply chain.
LEGAL BASIS
Law No. (11) of 2018
Concerning the Establishment of the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi
Article 4: Grants the DoE authority to regulate water quality, enforce compliance, and issue penalties across all sectors—public and private.
Sample Parameters – Schedule 1 (Drinking Water Standards)
| Parameter | Limit Value | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Turbidity | < 1 NTU (95% samples) | Physical |
| pH | 6.5 – 8.5 | Physical |
| Free Residual Chlorine | 0.2 – 0.5 mg/L | Chemical |
| Total Coliforms | 0 CFU/100 mL | Microbiological |
| Nitrate (NO3) | < 50 mg/L | Chemical |
| Lead (Pb) | < 0.01 mg/L | Heavy Metal |
| PFAS (Emerging Contaminant) | < 0.0001 mg/L | Emerging Pollutant |
Clause 6.3: Exceeding any parameter mandates urgent reporting to DoE and corrective action within 24 hours.
Who Is Affected? Residential & Commercial Users
The regulation is not only for water producers or government utilities—it directly affects residential buildings, commercial towers, hotels, hospitals, shopping malls, and schools:
For Commercial Users:
- Building managers must install and maintain proper filtration systems.
- Quarterly water testing reports are required for large buildings and complexes.
- Cooling towers, water tanks, and fountains must be included in the DWSP.
For Residential Compounds & Villas:
Landlords and facility managers must ensure water storage tanks are cleaned, sealed, and tested regularly.
Tenants have the right to request water quality certificates from landlords or developers.
Clause 5.2.4: All premises with storage/distribution responsibility are deemed “licensees” and must meet quality and safety requirements under DoE oversight.
Chemicals in Drinking Water
Clause 6.1.3:
“Water treatment must only involve chemicals that are officially approved by the Department of Energy (DoE), proven safe for human use, and certified by recognized third-party bodies such as NSF or WHO.”
Unapproved chemicals = automatic violation, regardless of perceived safety.
Sampling Frequency (Distribution Zones – Schedule 3)
| Zone Population | Microbial Testing | Chemical Testing |
|---|---|---|
| > 100,000 | Weekly | Monthly |
| 10,000 – 100,000 | Biweekly | Quarterly |
| < 10,000 | Monthly | Every 6 Months |
Sample collection must follow international best practices, including sterilized containers, documented chain of custody, and digital recordkeeping.
Drinking Water Safety Plan (DWSP)
All water providers (including commercial properties and residential complexes with their own storage or treatment systems) must develop and submit a Drinking Water Safety Plan, which must include:
- Hazard mapping and risk management
- Maintenance of tanks and plumbing
- Emergency protocols (e.g., contamination or low pressure)
- Ongoing staff training and corrective tracking
Clause 7.1.1: Annual DWSP audits are required, and major updates must be reported within 10 working days.
Audits and Assessments
Clause 8.4:
“Independent audits shall be conducted every two years for all licensed water operators, including residential developments with internal water systems.”
Audits assess:
- Equipment integrity
- Sampling compliance
- Corrective action implementation
- Waterborne disease incident logs
Failure to Comply
Clause 9.2.1:
“Non-compliance with Schedule 1 shall be escalated to the DoE within 24 hours of detection, followed by a written corrective report within 7 days.”
Violations can result in:
- Fines (scaled by risk level and number of violations)
- License suspension or facility closure
- Public disclosure in case of negligence
Regulation Structure Summary
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Law No. (11) of 2018 | Legal foundation for DoE powers |
| Clause 6–9 | Defines chemicals, sampling, enforcement |
| Schedule 1 | Water quality parameter limits |
| Schedule 3 | Sampling frequency by user category |
| Schedule 5d | Material change notification timeline |
Official Resource
Download full PDF:
>> Water Quality Regulation 2025 – DoE Abu Dhabi
Conclusion
The UAE Water Quality Regulations 2025 mark a significant step toward safeguarding public health, promoting sustainability, and aligning with international standards. By clearly defining responsibilities, parameter limits, and enforcement measures, the regulation ensures both residential and commercial users maintain clean, safe, and compliant water systems. It promotes a risk-based, proactive approach to water safety, backed by legal enforcement and technological innovation.
Top 5 FAQs on the UAE Water Quality Regulation 2025
Who must comply with the regulation?
All water service providers, facility managers, developers, landlords, and property operators—whether for residential, commercial, or mixed-use buildings—must comply.
What happens if water fails the quality test?
Immediate notification to the DoE is required within 24 hours, followed by investigation, corrective actions, and a written report within 7 days.
Is water testing mandatory for residential buildings?
Yes. Residential compounds, especially those with storage tanks or internal distribution systems, must test and report water quality regularly.
How often should water be tested?
Frequency depends on population served. For example, areas serving over 100,000 people must conduct weekly microbial and monthly chemical testing.
What is a Drinking Water Safety Plan (DWSP)?
A DWSP is a structured document outlining all potential water quality risks, control measures, emergency responses, and maintenance plans. It's mandatory for all licensees.
