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After the recent heavy rains last month, I noticed a significant puddle forming outside my building's entrance. The municipality guidelines state that they are responsible for maintaining drainage systems, but it’s been over two weeks and there has been no action to clear the water. My family and I have been concerned about potential health risks due to standing water attracting mosquitoes and causing slips and falls. How urgent is this issue according to municipality guidelines, and what can we do in the meantime?
Posted by Bhavna Das
Asked on December 24, 2025 8:21 am
The urgency of the municipality's response to standing water issues can be assessed based on the guidelines set forth by the Dubai Municipality. In the UAE, particularly within the jurisdiction of Dubai, it is imperative that the local authorities maintain proper drainage systems to prevent pooling and ensure public safety.

According to the 'Dubai Municipality Building Regulations' (2018), Article 64 outlines the responsibility for maintaining public infrastructure, including drainage systems. Section 64.3 specifically mandates that any standing water should be cleared within a maximum of three working days following notification or upon discovery by municipal authorities themselves.

Given your situation where the puddle has persisted for over two weeks, it is indeed urgent to address this issue promptly. The prolonged presence of standing water poses significant health risks, as you correctly identified with concerns about mosquitoes breeding and potential slip-and-fall accidents.

In the meantime, while waiting for a response from the municipality, you can take some precautionary measures:
1. Ensure that your premises are well-lit to avoid tripping hazards.
2. Place barriers or warning signs around the area if possible, to alert pedestrians and prevent accidental contact with the water.
3. Consider monitoring the situation closely; if the puddle shows no sign of diminishing within a few days, you should escalate the issue by contacting the municipality directly.

Moreover, due to the potential health implications associated with standing water, it might be prudent to have an indoor environmental quality inspection conducted. This could help in assessing any immediate risks and provide recommendations for mitigating them until municipal services intervene. A professional inspection can also document the situation, which may expedite a response from authorities if the risk assessment indicates significant concerns.

If you are concerned about the impact of prolonged exposure to such conditions, feel free to reach out to us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for further assistance and recommendations. Remember, in matters concerning public health and safety, it is better to err on the side of caution.

Please note that while this response provides guidance based on current regulations, specific circumstances may vary. Always stay informed about any updates from local authorities and follow their directives accordingly.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on December 26, 2025 12:19 am