Install utilities near sewers, drains, waterways, water mains
Building over or near our assets
You must have our approval before you start work on any utility installations (such as gas, electricity and water) or excavations near our assets.
Our assets include our sewers, drains, waterways and water mains located in a road reserve, easement, or reserves.
This is how we protect our rights of access and ensure any proposed work meets our technical requirements.
Any works undertaken without Melbourne Water approval will be considered illegal under the Water Act.
Application process
Your proposed work must meet our technical requirements for utility installations aligned across or in parallel to our sewage and stormwater pipes, water mains and natural or artificial channels.
Approvals from other authorities
We may need evidence of approvals from other authorities or private owners who may be affected by your works before we provide approval.
Check that you comply with other laws that may affect your development, such as Special Building Overlay and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay.
Check installation requirements
Make sure your application meets our technical requirements for utility installations that are aligned across or in parallel to our sewage and stormwater pipes, water mains and natural or artificial channels.
Documents required
Your application must include a cover letter, detailed designs, specifications and any supporting documents or evidence that outlines the following:
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cross-section diagram showing clearance between services
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detailed engineering drawings
You may be required to supply the following information:
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alignment or location of proposed works
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dimensions and clearances
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work methods report
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survey plans of the location
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drawings location of assets (offsets)
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cross-section diagram of the proposed works and our assets
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photographs of the affected area
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environmental report
Approval process
If we approve the installation, we will send you a letter outlining any specific conditions you must meet as part of our approval and any relevant fees.
You may be required to respond with a written acceptance to comply with our conditions.
Prior to the commencement of works on Melbourne Water’s asset, the contractor must contact Melbourne Water’s Asset Services Team on 131 722 for approval/permits on a live asset(s). Penalties apply for unauthorised works.
All contractors who carry out works on live assets are required to have a Permit to work.
Inspections may be required at different stages of the works, your letter of approval will confirm this requirement. Please refer to inspection of work.
Duration
We are currently receiving a high volume of applications due to growth in demand for our services, which has unfortunately created significant delays. We acknowledge your patience and will make every effort to process your applications as soon as we can. View our current processing times.
Fees
Fees differ depending on the proposed work. We will advise you of the amount once we assess your application.
Please note this application fee is non-refundable.
Fees and security for construction, works and connections.
Guidelines or standards
Make sure your application meets our technical requirements for utility installations aligned across or in parallel to our sewage and stormwater pipes, water mains and natural or artificial channels.
For information on underground pipes, cables or other assets call Dial Before You Dig on 1100 or visit Dial before you dig.
Important information
Your application may experience a delay if there are any issues. Delays in the application process may happen if:
- The information and documentation are incomplete or missing.
- We need to further investigate the complexity of the development.
We assess applications on a case-by-case basis and will notify you of the following outcomes once we have completed the review.
- The application approved. Project can move forward.
- The application approved. Conditions need to be met before the project can move forward.
- The application declined. We will notify you of the reasons the project cannot move forward. (reasons given).
- Application needs to be assessed further, and we need more information.
Contact us
If you need any help to complete this application, contact us on 131 722.