ActewAGL will approve an application where evidence is provided to demonstrate that, when constructed, buildings and structures will not be damaged subject to cracking, or become unstable:
- caused by water or sewerage network in-situ pipe replacement technologies (for example pipe bursting)
- due to trench collapse or foundation movement or settlement resulting from excavation by ActewAGL of an un-shored trench along the length and to the pipe invert depth of the water or sewerage network mains or connections
- if subjected to leakage or the bursting of a nearby pressurised water or sewerage network pipe
Applicants must, where requested by ActewAGL, provide documentation prepared by a qualified chartered engineer certifying the adequacy of the proposed structures to comply with this rule.
ActewAGL will approve an application for building or landscape works only where water and sewerage network equipment is protected from dynamic or static structural loads transmitted by:
- construction or maintenance equipment (cranes, vehicles, earthmoving equipment, compaction equipment, lifts, scaffolding, etc.)
- proposed structures
- earthworks in excess of as-constructed levels
- stored materials
- any other load-bearing element that may, in the opinion of ActewAGL, cause or have the potential to cause harm to the integrity of the network equipment regardless of whether or not that equipment is inside or outside the property boundaries
As a guide, ActewAGL will generally approve an application where the bearing for any imposed load (in local Canberra soils) is outside a 45-degree angle measured from the invert of the network main (see illustration below).
Approval is also conditional upon compliance with foundation stability rules.
Alternative conditions may apply to rock or uncommon soils.
Note: ActewAGL will not allow concrete encasement of water or sewerage network pipes to carry loads imposed by structures.
ActewAGL will approve an application provided that obstruction-free access is provided within the confines of the pipe protection envelope required over and around pressurised network equipment (usually water mains or pressurised "rising" sewer mains).
Pipe protection envelopes for pressurised water and sewerage network mains
In addition, ActewAGL recommends that the owner of premises and / or their design agents should seek expert advice to assure themselves that the design of structures in the vicinity of water or pressurised sewer mains satisfactorily addresses all hazards and risks. Risks include, but are not limited to, damage resulting from ground subsidence following a burst pipe or water jetting at high velocity from a burst pressure pipe.
ActewAGL will approve an application provided that obstruction-free access is provided within the confines of the pipe protection envelope required over and around non-pressurised gravity network sewer mains.
Pipe protection envelopes for pressurised water and sewerage network mains
ActewAGL will approve an application only where an obstruction-free emergency utility access route is provided through the property giving ActewAGL safe unhindered entry 24 hours per day, seven days per week, to operate water network isolation valves on that property or to enter sewerage network manholes on that property for the purpose of clearing blockages.
Unless otherwise approved in writing by ActewAGL, emergency utility access routes to ACTEW water and sewerage network mains must be through the property on which the mains are located. Neighbouring properties must not be disadvantaged.
ActewAGL will approve an application only where an obstruction-free planned access route is provided, upon request (except in the case of an emergency) through the property giving ActewAGL safe unhindered entry to operate, maintain or replace water or sewerage network equipment located on that property.
Unless otherwise approved in writing by ActewAGL, planned maintenance access routes to ACTEW water and sewerage mains must be through the property on which the mains are located. Neighbouring properties must not be disadvantaged.
To ensure there is adequate access to the water meter and isolation valve the owner of premises must:
- maintain a one metre radius working zone around the isolation valve and meter box or pit, above ground level, which is clear of obstructions
- maintain the meter box (pit) and isolation valve enclosure (where applicable) in good condition, free from damage, flooding or foreign objects such as silt or needle sharps
- maintain an obvious, safe and direct route from the roadway for meter readers to access the water meter unhindered by lockable gates or structures
To ensure there is adequate access to sewerage network access structures (including manholes) and the sanitary drainage (boundary riser) for the purpose of clearing blockages in the connection, the owner of premises must:
- ensure there is a one metre radius working zone around access structure, above ground, which is clear of obstructions
- maintain the boundary riser enclosure (if fitted) in good condition, free from damage, flooding or foreign objects such as silt or needle sharps
- ensure there is an obvious, safe, unhindered and direct route from the roadway for ActewAGL to all access structures
Private services, including water pipes, irrigation pipes, sanitary drains, stormwater drains, electricity cables, telephone cables, communication cables, gas pipes, aerial wires, or other services that are not the property of ACTEW, are not permitted and must not be laid within the pipe protection envelope or service reservation (easement).
The only exception to this rule are water and sewerage connections crossing the pipe protection envelope or service reservation (easement) by the shortest practical route, usually at right angles to the network mains.
A private services zone is recommended to allow sufficient space between the building perimeter and a service reservation or pipe protection envelope to lay private in-ground services and to deposit spoil from excavation works in the service reservation.
The owner of the premises is responsible for ensuring landscape features and ground levels are not constructed so as to divert excessive stormwater runoff into, or cause ponding over, water or sewerage network access structures or control equipment, including hydrants, control valves, scour valves, scour discharge outlets, sewer manholes, sewer access shafts, boundary risers, meter pits, meter boxes, or other surface fittings.
The owner of premises is responsible for ensuring overland flow paths are provided to divert and prevent the ingress of stormwater or sewage overflow to the interior of buildings and to minimise harm to the owner's premises.
Note: Sewage discharge from overflow relief gullies (ORG) or disconnector traps (DT) may result from blockages in private sanitary drains or the sewerage network mains.