Overview

work. Rooted in the Abu Dhabi International Private Sewage Disposal Code (ADIPSDC), the course integrates technical design standards, permitting procedures, and real-world applications tailored to the Emirate’s environmental conditions.

Through ten specialized lessons, participants will explore the full lifecycle of decentralized wastewater systems-from site evaluation, material selection, and system sizing, to advanced treatment solutions, inspections, and long-term operational compliance.

Each lesson presents detailed code references, practical scenarios, and step-by-step guidelines to ensure learners can design, assess, and implement systems that are safe, sustainable, and legally approved within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Whether you're involved in design, review, regulation, or system maintenance, this course provides the technical knowledge and procedural clarity required to meet Abu Dhabi’s environmental and infrastructure standards for unsewered developments.

Course Deliverables

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand the fundamentals of private sewage disposal systems and interpret key requirements of the Abu Dhabi International Private Sewage Disposal Code (ADIPSDC).
Identify when private systems are required and navigate the permitting process through the MePS platform.
Conduct site evaluations, including soil analysis, percolation testing, and groundwater assessment, to determine system suitability.
Design conventional and alternative wastewater systems, including septic tanks, absorption trenches, pressure networks, and mound systems.
Select appropriate materials and components in compliance with UL, ASTM, and NSF standards.
Calculate daily design flows, trench sizing, and loading rates based on soil conditions and building use.
Ensure proper installation, testing, and documentation to meet ADSWS inspection and approval standards.
Manage post-approval responsibilities, including maintenance planning, performance monitoring, and permit renewal.

Course Content

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Scope, System Responsibilities, and Site Evaluation

Through this lesson, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the overall framework of private sewage disposal systems in Abu Dhabi, as defined in the ADIPSDC. The lesson explains the regulatory scope and the legal responsibilities of property owners, designers, and contractors during all stages of system design, construction, operation, and maintenance.

It also provides detailed guidance on how to conduct a complete site evaluation, analyze soil characteristics, and assess groundwater levels to determine land suitability. Additionally, it covers the steps required to obtain approvals and permits through the MePS system, highlighting environmental standards and compliance with the relevant regulatory authorities.

Materials, Tank Standards, and Soil Absorption Design

This lesson delves into the approved materials and manufacturing standards used in private sewage disposal systems, including tanks, pipes, coatings, and corrosion protection methods. It emphasizes the importance of selecting durable materials suitable for Abu Dhabi’s unique conditions such as high temperature, soil salinity, and aggressive backfill. The lesson then transitions to soil absorption system design-explaining how to calculate flow rates, infiltration capacities, and required trench areas while maintaining safe setbacks from wells and structures.

The goal is to equip participants with the knowledge to design efficient and compliant systems that meet both ADIPSDC and public health standards.

Pressure Distribution and Septic Tank Systems

This lesson introduces the concept of pressure distribution systems and their critical role in achieving uniform effluent dispersal across challenging or sloped sites. Participants will learn about the main components of these systems-pumps, tanks, manifolds, and control panels-as well as proper testing and monitoring procedures. The lesson also covers the design and installation of septic and holding tanks, highlighting sizing criteria, material standards, watertightness testing, and inspection protocols before backfilling.

The objective is to develop a deep understanding of how to balance technical efficiency with regulatory compliance and environmental safety.

Septic and Holding Tanks - Design, Sizing, Testing | ADIPSDC Chapter 8

This lesson provides a complete overview of the design, sizing, and testing of septic and holding tanks in accordance with Chapter 8 of the ADIPSDC. It begins by distinguishing between the two systems and explaining their functions, then moves on to how to calculate the required tank capacity based on occupancy and daily flow rates. International standards such as UL, ASTM, and NSF are introduced to ensure structural durability, watertightness, and corrosion resistance.

Participants will also learn about hydrostatic testing procedures, access and cover requirements, and documentation submissions through the MePS system for final approval.

Advanced Treatment and Provisional Systems

This lesson focuses on alternative and advanced treatment systems used when site or soil conditions make conventional systems impractical. It introduces Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs), which use aeration and biological processes to enhance wastewater treatment, and mound systems that are constructed above grade in areas with high groundwater or poor permeability. The lesson also discusses the use of temporary cesspools, detailing their limited application, operational restrictions, maximum service duration, and proper decommissioning and documentation procedures.

By the end of this lesson, participants will understand how to select sustainable, code-compliant alternatives for challenging site conditions.

Final Testing and Long-Term Compliance

In this lesson, participants will learn the essential procedures required before a private sewage system can be commissioned, including watertightness and pressure testing, pump performance verification, and final system inspection in accordance with approved plans. The lesson emphasizes documentation and the importance of submitting all test results and photos to MePS for operational permit issuance. It then explains post-approval obligations such as ongoing maintenance, service contracts, and periodic compliance reporting to ensure system integrity.

The aim is to instill a culture of continuous compliance and proactive system management to safeguard environmental and public health.

Summary and Compliance Integration

The final lesson brings together all key concepts covered throughout the course, presenting a unified view of the full system lifecycle-from site evaluation and design to installation, operation, and long-term compliance. It outlines the ten essential steps of system management under the MePS platform, including permitting, inspection, and documentation closure. The lesson also identifies common mistakes made by engineers and contractors and offers strategies to avoid them.

By the end, participants will have a complete understanding of how to apply the ADIPSDC requirements effectively and implement sustainable, compliant sewage systems across Abu Dhabi.