Sharjah residents are being asked to stock up on water to cope with rolling disruptions to supply for the next six days.
Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) has started maintenance work at the Leyyah water plant that is expected to last until at least Monday.
Essam Al Mulla, director of the water directorate, said the work would lead to a drop in supply of about 10 per cent in Sharjah city and areas close to the plant.
"We are not talking about a complete disconnection of water but a few disruptions that residents can cope with if they store some water," he said.
"The work is essential for the continued supply of water in the emirate and we have chosen this time in winter because we believe residents can easily conserve and store enough water."
A number of buildings and businesses have posted notices in Arabic and English warning of the disruption.
"It is good this time that we have been notified in advance, unlike during the power cuts where everything came as a surprise," said Salah Hassan, a resident of the Al Khan area.
In the Al Nabba neighbourhood, a building watchman, who identified himself as Nadeer, said: "We have given notices to all the residents but two hours a day is not too much. Our storage tanks can provide water during those hours."
