Dubai launches water safety initiative targeting senior citizens

Dubai Municipality, in cooperation with the Community Development Authority, has launched an initiative to improve water safety in the homes of senior citizens.

The "Safe Water for a Healthy Community" initiative will span across 10 areas of Dubai, which have not yet been detailed.

The first phase of the initiative targets 42 homes and villas of senior citizens to assess the safety of their water systems and ensure their compliance with quality standards in accordance with the best international practices and specifications approved by Dubai Municipality.

The initiative includes field visits for the purpose of technical engineering and specialised evaluation of these systems, with water samples being taken and analysed at the Dubai Central Laboratory, in addition to taking corrective measures and rapid and effective measures in cooperation with some institutions specialised in treating water systems; awareness workshops will also be held in Dubai councils to raise awareness about the importance of water safety and quality and its impact on public health.

The Acting Executive Director of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafi, said that periodic tests of household water contribute to ensuring the quality and safety of water by ensuring that it is free of chemical and bacterial pollutants that affect the health of society, which reduces the risk of diseases resulting from water system pollution. 

Director of the Senior Citizens Department at the Community Development Authority, Muhannad Saeed, said that this initiative comes within the framework of the Community Year 2025 and the efforts of the Community Development Authority to enhance the quality of life of senior citizens and ensure their safety in various aspects, as water safety in homes is a key factor in maintaining their health and daily comfort.

Dubai Municipality urged community members to adopt sustainable practices and follow guidelines that maintain the safety and quality of water systems in homes by disinfecting and cleaning tanks and all water systems at least every six months by companies approved by the municipality, and committing to performing periodic maintenance of water systems to ensure their efficiency, prevent the accumulation of pollutants, and empty stagnant water to reduce the chances of bacterial growth and ensure the safety and quality of water.