Step 4: Undertake a site investigation to find utility services
Using the drawings obtained in Step 2, it is important to determine the presence and verify (on site) the precise location, depth and nature of water and sewerage service connection(s) and network mains (and all other utilities on or near your property).
This includes:
- all utility network mains and equipment located within the property boundaries
- all utility network mains and equipment located external and in close proximity to the property boundaries that may be impacted by your proposed development
- the location of surface level stormwater, electricity, water and sewerage network equipment (valves, meter box, pits, manholes, cable routes, poles, etc.) with dimensions from property boundaries
- the route of water and sewerage network mains with dimensions from property boundaries (or from proposed building works) and
- the depth of water and sewerage network mains measured from natural (undisturbed) ground level where structural loads may be transmitted to water and sewerage network mains.
Note
A visual inspection or the use of pipe detection technologies may help to approximate the route of water or sewerage network pipes.
However the precise location and depth of sewer pipes must be verified by physical measurement and water pipes by physical exposure (pot-holing).
Access to sewer manholes or pot-holing of water mains must be carried out under the direction or supervision of ActewAGL.
Warning: Failure of an application to show or accurately locate water or sewerage network equipment may result in damage and costs for which the property owner will be liable.
Pot-holing water network mains
Persons wishing to verify the location of water network connections or mains must make an application to ActewAGL.
ActewAGL will specify the controls and conditions that must be followed when carrying out pot-holing operations.
The responsibility for pot-holing is determined by pipe size as follows.
Diameter of water
connection or main |
Operational persons |
Cost |
| 20 to 100mm |
Registered plumber or ActewAGL |
Applicant |
| 150 to 300mm |
Case by case decision by ActewAGL |
Applicant |
| 450mm or greater |
ActewAGL only |
Applicant |
The persons commissioning pot-holing operations are responsible for paying for the backfilling, reinstatement of surfaces and repair of damage to water or sewerage networks resulting from those activities.