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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General Scope, Responsibilities, and System Approvals

work governing private sewage disposal systems in Abu Dhabi. It explains when these systems are necessary, who is responsible for their approval, and how compliance with the Abu Dhabi International Private Sewage Disposal Code (ADIPSDC) is ensured. Participants will explore the roles of different authorities such as ADSWS, DMT, and EAD, and learn how to navigate system approvals through the MePS platform. The lesson lays the foundation for understanding the legal responsibilities of engineers, contractors, and property owners in implementing sustainable and safe wastewater solutions.

Site Evaluation and Soil Suitability

This lesson focuses on the critical role of site evaluation in the successful design of private sewage systems. It explains the process of assessing soil texture, percolation rates, slope conditions, and groundwater depth, in line with ADIPSDC standards. Through practical examples, participants will learn how these factors influence system selection, layout, and long-term reliability. The lesson also highlights the documentation requirements for MePS submissions, ensuring environmental protection and regulatory approval.

Materials and Component Standards

This lesson covers the approved materials and construction standards required for private sewage systems in Abu Dhabi. Participants will explore the specifications for pipes, tanks, seals, and coatings, as mandated by ADIPSDC and international standards such as ASTM and UL. Emphasis is placed on material durability, chemical resistance, and certification requirements that prevent system failures. The lesson guides engineers and contractors in selecting compliant components to ensure long-term system integrity.

Conventional Soil Absorption System Design

This lesson explains how conventional soil absorption systems function and how they are designed in accordance with ADIPSDC standards

Participants will learn how to estimate daily wastewater flow, assess soil infiltration capacity, and size trenches accordingly. The lesson emphasizes the importance of trench spacing, depth, and materials used, as well as key setbacks from buildings and wells. This foundational knowledge ensures participants can deliver efficient and code-compliant designs for villas and low-density developments in Abu Dhabi.

Pressure Distribution Systems - Hydraulic Design

This lesson introduces pressure distribution systems used in challenging site conditions such as sloped terrains or shallow soils.

It outlines the hydraulic principles of dosing, pump selection, total dynamic head (TDH) calculation, and balanced flow distribution, Participants will explore the components of a pressure network, including dosing tanks, orifices, and flush ports. The lesson prepares learners to design reliable systems that ensure even effluent dispersal and meet Abu Dhabi’s regulatory standards.

Septic and Holding Tanks - Design, Sizing, Testing

This lesson provides a comprehensive guide to the design and sizing of septic and holding tanks used in private sewage systems, It details the structural and functional differences between the two, including minimum volumes, internal configurations, material requirements, and testing methods.

The lesson also emphasizes watertightness, access safety, and certification under standards like UL 70 and ASTM C913. Participants will understand how to select appropriate tanks that comply with code and ensure long-term reliability.

Alternative Treatment and Mound Systems

This lesson explores non-conventional wastewater treatment solutions such as aerobic treatment units (ATUs) and mound systems, It addresses their use in sites with high groundwater tables, poor soil permeability, or environmental sensitivities. Participants will learn how to design and integrate these systems using certified components, proper construction sequences, and long-term maintenance strategies.

The lesson highlights regulatory criteria for approvals and site protection requirements unique to Abu Dhabi’s ecological conditions.

Cesspools and Provisional Systems

This lesson introduces cesspools and other provisional wastewater solutions permitted only in exceptional circumstances, It explains their design limitations, health risks, and regulatory restrictions. Participants will learn when such systems may be temporarily approved, how to ensure environmental safeguards, and how to properly decommission them once a permanent solution is available.

The lesson provides guidance on compliance documentation, setbacks, and inspection requirements under ADIPSDC.

Testing, Inspection, and Operational Permits

This lesson focuses on the final stage of implementing private sewage systems: testing, inspection, and securing the operational permit, Participants will explore the steps required to demonstrate system integrity, including watertightness, flow performance, and regulatory compliance.

It covers MePS documentation, coordination with ADSWS inspectors, and requirements for as-built drawings, test reports, and photographic evidence.

The lesson reinforces the importance of accuracy and accountability in securing final approval.

Post-Approval Responsibilities and Long-Term Compliance

This lesson outlines the responsibilities of system owners and service providers after the operational permit has been granted.

It covers the requirements for annual inspections, maintenance contracts, performance monitoring, and proper record-keeping in MePS.

Participants will understand how to manage system failures, plan for upgrades or decommissioning, and avoid regulatory violations, it's emphasizes the ongoing commitment needed to protect public health and environmental integrity in Abu Dhabi.