WATER TRANSMISSION

PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
(UPDATE 2020)

POWER & WATER PLANNING DIVISION

WATER TRANSMISSION PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Our Vision
A globally leading sustainable innovative corporation.

Our Mission
We are committed and aligned to Dubai’s 8 Principles
and 50-Year Charter supporting the UAE’s directions
through the delivery of global leading services and
innovative energy solutions enriching lives and
ensuring the happiness of our stakeholders in a
sustainable manner.

Our Values
Stakeholders Happiness
Sustainability
Innovation
Excellence
Good Governance

Our Motto
For generations to come.
 CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................................................................4

2. DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS....................................................................................5

2.1 Domestic Demand...........................................................................................................................................................................................5

2.2 Per Capita Consumption Rates..............................................................................................................................................................6

2.3 Non Domestic Demand...............................................................................................................................................................................7

2.4 Yearly Water Demand Phasing...............................................................................................................................................................7

3. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WATER NETWORK.................................................................................................................................8

3.1 Connection Points...........................................................................................................................................................................................8

3.2 Network Design Requirements ............................................................................................................................................................8

4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT......................................................................................................................................................................9

5. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................................................................................9

5.1 Lead Time.............................................................................................................................................................................................................9

5.2 Plots and Corridors........................................................................................................................................................................................9

5.3 Booster Stations.............................................................................................................................................................................................9

6. SUBMISSIONS..............................................................................................................................................................................................................10

6.1 Contact List.......................................................................................................................................................................................................10

6.2 Additional Contacts ..................................................................................................................................................................................10

7. NEXT STEPS...................................................................................................................................................................................................................11

8. ANNEXURE......................................................................................................................................................................................................................12

8.1 Development Master Plan Checklist...............................................................................................................................................12

Figures

Figure 1. Development Projects Master Plan Approval Process...............................................................................................................4

Tables

Table 1: Per Capita Consumption Rates.......................................................................................................................................................................6

Table 2: Network Design and Hydraulic modelling Criteria...........................................................................................................................8

Issue: 6 Date: 06-September-2020 3

1. INTRODUCTION
In order to ensure timely, optimal and reliable water supply services to development projects across Dubai, it is essential that
the developers and their consultants prepare and submit their complete development project(s) master plans to DEWA

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide developers/consultant with adequate information to help with the preparation
and submission of their development master plan. The Guidelines include all requirements related to project’s water
demands and phasing, population, land use, network information and models, etc. to be submitted as part of the master
plan submission for DEWA’s review and approval. This project information once approved will be used by DEWA for Water
Infrastructure planning activities.

It is therefore essential for developers and their consultant to ensure that development master plan is prepared in line with
DEWA’s Guidelines for a timely and efficient approval process.

This document includes itemized requirements for each of the development master plan components.

The chart below outlines the Development Master Plan Approval Process.

Development Project Master Plan Approval Process

Information NOC. Development

II&P Department. Project Master
Warsan Office Plan Submission

Yes
Request
Information
Water Demand
Approval Submission No
WTP Department. Complete
Head Office

Yes

Design &
Forward Project
Construction NOC
with Comments
PWD Department. Project Type
to PWD
Al Quoz Office

Connection NOC Distribution Transmission

Yes
Water P&E and New Project Project
Connections
Department. Yes

Master Plan - In line Clarification/

with DEWA’s No Meeting/
Requirements. Discussions

ABBREVIATIONS: Yes
• II&P: Infrastructure Information & Permits. ISSUANCE OF
• PWD: Projects Water Distribution. Yes
MASTER PLAN
• Water PE & New Connections: Water APPROVAL
Projects and Engineering & New Connections LETTER
• WTP: Water Transmission Planning

Issue: 6 Date: 06-September-2020 4

2. DEVELOPMENT
 MASTER PLAN
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In order for DEWA to process the application, a signed checklist (Annexure 1) should be provided along with the
following requirements.

1. The complete development project Master Plan Report.

2. Valid DEWA’s Information NOC issued for the project (NOC validity is 6 months).

3. Coloured location map and layout of the project (all soft file in CAD or GIS system shape file format, should be geo-
referenced to DLTM coordinate system).

4. Project’s water demand calculation sheets, (all demand calculations should be provided in MS Excel spreadsheet
format including all assumptions/formulas used along with supporting data files).

5. 
Consumption rates and peak factors used to calculate Average and Peak Demands along with justification of the
same, as applicable.

6. Land use classified demand calculations including percentage of land use types and year wise percentage of expected
occupancy.

7. Year wise cumulative demand, plot wise/zone wise and phase wise demands.

8. Statements for plots / corridors availability for the development as per DEWA requirements (if applicable.)

9. 
Internal network layout indicating proposed take offs/connection points, year required and expected pressure at
each of take points. (PDF & CAD format).

10. Epanet compatible hydraulic modelling file(s) developed for the Project’s network study (geo-referenced to the
Dubai coordinate system (DLTM).

2.1 DOMESTIC DEMAND

Developers/Consultants are requested to include the detailed calculations and the following information in the domestic
water demand submission:

• Plot-wise land use and population information.

• Projected Yearly occupancy rates as per the phasing of the project.

• Classification of the project demands as per DEWA established consumer categories.

o Domestic

o Commercial

o Industrial

o Government & Others (Mosque, Police Station, Government Hospital, etc.)

• Digital
 calculations worksheets based on information used to estimate the total water demands, such as population,
land use, consumption rates, etc.

Issue: 6 Date: 06-September-2020 5

2.2 PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION RATES
Table 1 below outlines typical ranges of water consumption rates; which Developers/Consultants are advised to use as
a reference for calculating different land use demands for the projects.

In line with DEWA Sustainability, Developers/Consultants are encouraged to avoid the use of potable water demand
maximum rate value while calculating the demands, unless there are valid justifications based on the requirements of the
project.

Table 1. DEWA Reference Per Capita Consumption Rates

Consumption Rates
User Category
(L/Cap. Day)
Based Metal Chemical Zone 100
Day Clinic (per Medical Practitioner) including Visitors 300 - 450
Club house/Recreation 100
Commercial Buildings 60-100
Entertainment & Leisure/Theater 10-60
Events 10-50
Guardhouse 60-75
Headquarters 60-80
Hotels (per employee) 60-80
Hotels (per guest) 200-300
Laboratory 60-80
Labour Accommodation 80-150
Local Plaza/Retail/Town Center 60-82
Logistic, Academic & Business Center 60-75
Manufacturing/Mineral 60-80
Medical (per bed) 350-450
Mixed Used Commercial 60-80
Mixed Used Residential 250-350
Mosques 10 - 60
Nursery/Child Care Centre 50-70
Offices 45-60
Public Amenities 10 - 50
Residential Buildings (flat) 200-300
Restaurant (per meal) 10-15 l/d per meal
Schools/University 40-60
Shops 45-60
Theatre 10-50
Villas 250-350
Visitors 14-40
Industrial (Workshops/Machinery/Warehouse, etc.) 60-80
Source: Standard Practices & Information from Development Projects Master Plans.

Issue: 6 Date: 06-September-2020 6

2.3 NON-DOMESTIC DEMAND
DEWA does not normally supply potable water for non-domestic purposes such as:

• Construction purposes (particularly at projects’ areas with No Existing network).

• 
Water features without human contact (lagoons, fountains, etc. for landscaping and beautification purposes).

• Irrigation / landscaping purposes.

• District cooling purposes.

• Firefighting (Except for initial filling of fire water tanks)

Exemptions may be made in the following cases:

• 
Unavailability or shortage of TSE supply, or the requirement by DM for alternative back-up supply.

• Temporary supply of potable water for non-potable purposes (DC, Irrigation, Water features, etc. excluding construction).

• Supply for filling firefighting tanks.

The above will be subject to some conditions which may include:

• The
 developer to acknowledge that priority of potable water supply is given to customers for domestic purposes.

•  separate connection from DEWA potable water system should be designed with adequate protection to prevent back
A
flow for health and safety reasons as per DEWA requirements.

• 
Back-up connection will only be used during emergency or shortage/disruption of TSE supply.

• 
The developer to adopt the most efficient and sustainable irrigation techniques in order to reduce irrigation water
demand.

• Filling
 of firefighting tank should be done as per the approved flow rate and during off-peak demand.

• For
 temporary supply, the developer should provide DEWA with official written commitment to fully and permanently
switch to TSE water as soon as it is made available.

2.4 YEARLY WATER DEMAND PHASING

The phasing of the project water demand is the most critical factor for planning expansions of water infrastructure and
ensuring timely water supply to the project. Therefore, the developer/consultant is required to submit the estimated year-
wise water demands of the project up to the ultimate development horizon year, including the projected yearly population
and occupancy rates.

Issue: 6 Date: 06-September-2020 7

3. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WATER NETWORK

3.1 CONNECTION POINTS

Each development project should have at least two connection points to DEWA water system, the size of which depends
on the project water demand. Developers/Consultants are expected to provide locations of the proposed connection points
with coordinates for DEWA review and approval.

3.2 NETWORK DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Although the approval of the water network is part of the design NOC process, Table 2 below outlines some criteria to be
used for design of the network and building of the model. A hydraulic model should be built for the development project
water network, and used as a basis and tool for network design. DEWA will review the models in contrast with DEWA
planning Design criteria, as required, and make recommendations for changes accordingly.

Table 1: Network Design and Hydraulic Modelling Criteria

Design Criteria Transmission Distribution

Peak Factor 1.25-1.3

(1200mm, 900mm, 600mm, 450mm,
Pipeline Diameters (mm)
300mm, 225mm and 150mm)

Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) PN10 / PN16

Pipelines and Fittings Material
(subject to DEWA’s approval)
Maximum Velocity (m/s) 1.5 1.0
Minimum Pressure in water network (Bar) 1.5 1.0
Working Pressure in water network (Bar) 1.5 – 4.0 1.0 – 1.5
Pressure at Connection Point (Bar)* 1.5
Minimum Number Connection Points* 2
Present peak condition
Geo-referenced to “DLTM”**
Looping of the system, wherever possible
Hydraulic Model
Zoning of the system, depending on the coverage area and
pressure requirements

Info Works or any EPANET compatible software.

* Initially assumed (subject to DEWA confirmation)

**Dubai Local Transverse Mercator

Issue: 6 Date: 06-September-2020 8

4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
DEWA has embarked on its sustainability journey with the goal of becoming a globally leading sustainable innovative
corporation. A tremendous amount of effort is being put into sustainability at all levels, and this includes a strategy
that adopts a triple bottom concept covering the social, economic and environmental aspects, which are at the heart of
sustainable development.

DEWA encourages Developers/Consultants to adopt innovative and sustainable solutions in all aspects of their development
projects design, considering optimal designs, minimizing leakage and the need for future network modifications, while
maintaining a safe and reliable water supply.

5. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 LEAD TIME

Developers/Consultants are advised to prepare and submit their Development Master Plan well ahead of the commissioning.
This will give DEWA adequate time to plan for infrastructure expansion requirements to supply the project which may
require long lead time.

5.2 PLOTS AND CORRIDORS

Depending on the project size and its location, the developer maybe required to allocate a plot for DEWA pumping station or
reservoir to supply their development. Additionally, water transmission corridors may also be required. These requirements
will be identified during the approval process.

5.3 BOOSTER STATIONS

In some cases, and depending on the development location, the developer maybe required to design and install a water
distribution booster to supply high areas within the development land. 

Issue: 6 Date: 06-September-2020 9

6. SUBMISSIONS

6.1 CONTACT LIST

The complete Development Master Plan submission including the signed checklist (Annexure 1) should be submitted via
email or DEWA approved file transfer link to.

Mr. Boualem Belhadj

Senior Manager - Water Transmission Planning
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority
P.O. Box 564, Dubai, U.A.E.
Tel.: 04-32-22700 - Ext. # 22700
Fax.: 04-3249206
boualem.belhadj@dewa.gov.ae

6.2 ADDITIONAL CONTACTS

All technical issues and clarifications related to the submission should be addressed to:

Deputy Senior Manager - Water Transmission Planning

Abdulla Salem Alsuwaidi Phone: 04-322-2707
E-Mail: Abdula.salem@dewa.gov.ae

Manager - Water System Planning

Amany Mahmoud Rezk Phone: 04-322-2710
E-Mail: amanir@dewa.gov.ae

Deputy Manager - Water Master Planning

Jenry Vergara Matanguihan Phone: 04-322-2730
E-Mail: jenry.matanguihan@dewa.gov.ae

Senior Engineer - Water System Planning

Khawla Mousa Almaazmi Phone: 04-322-2934
E-Mail: khawla.almaazmi@dewa.gov.ae

Senior Engineer - Water System Planning

Salama Saif Alali Phone: 04-322-2946
E-Mail: salama.alali@dewa.gov.ae

Issue: 6 Date: 06-September-2020 10

7. NEXT STEPS
• Following the submission, DEWA will review the submitted documents and confirm their completeness.

• 
DEWA Water Transmission Planning Engineers will coordinate with the Developer/Consultant for any queries/issues
associated with the submission. Meetings may be arranged as required.

•  the development project is classified as Distribution Project, the submission will be forwarded to Projects Water
If
Distribution Section under Projects and Engineering Department, Water and Civil Division Al Quoz office. The
Developers/Consultants will be notified to coordinate with them accordingly.

• DEWA will process the application and issue an approval letter to the Developer/Consultant.

• 
The Developer is required to confirm the receipt of the approval and, if applicable, the acceptance of any associated
conditions.

• 
The Developer shall coordinate with DEWA’s Water & Civil Division, Projects & Engineering Department, Water Projects
Department in Al Quoz Office for design NOC and connection matters.

• All information related to Design NOC and connections is available with DEWA Water & Civil Division, Al Quoz Office.

8. ANNEXURE

8.1 DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN CHECKLIST

The attached checklist in Annexure 1 should be duly filled and signed before attaching to the submission.

Issue: 6 Date: 06-September-2020 11

 Development Project Master Plan Submission Checklist

Project Name:__________________________________________________________________

Developer : ____________________________________________________________________

Consultant: ____________________________________________________________________

S/N Document Description Remarks

1. The complete development project Master Plan Report.

Copy of a valid DEWA’s Information NOC issued for the project (valid for 6
2.
months).
 olored soft Location map and layout files of the project in CAD format or GIS
C
3.
system shape file format, using DLTM coordinate system.

Project’s water demand calculation sheets, (all demand calculations should be

4. provided in MS Excel spreadsheet format including all formulas used along with
supporting data files).

Consumption rates and factors used to calculate Average, and Peak Demands
5.
along with justification of the same, as applicable.

 and use wise demand calculations including percentage of land use types and
L
6.
year wise percentage of expected occupancy.

7. Year-wise phased total demand, plot wise /zone wise and phase wise demands .

Statements for plots / corridors availability for the development as per DEWA
8.
requirements (if applicable)
 igital file of internal network design indicating proposed take off /connection
D
9. points, year required and expected pressure at each of them. (PDF & CAD
format)
Epanet compatible hydraulic models file(s) developed for the network study
10
geo-referenced to the actual Dubai coordinate system (DLTM)

Signature & Date:

_________________________________________

Issue: 6 Date: 06-September-2020