Prove the asset location

​If we need ‘as constructed’ plans for the asset near your property, you’ll need to engage a licensed surveyor and Service Detection Locators to prove its location – which can differ from the design plans that we provide.

A surveyor can usually arrange and project manage the Service Detection on your behalf. Your surveyor will also need to complete a title re-establishment survey.

​As surveyors can be costly, we will tell you if you need one. We can also advise on:

• surveyors and surveying companies
• service locating methods – including non-destructive digging, CCTV and internal survey of underground drain by entry.

If your property is flood-prone, other requirements may apply to your development. To determine these requirements, contact our Customer Service Centre on 131 722.

Surveyor qualifications

Under Victorian law, your surveyor must be licensed. You can search for licensed surveyors in your local area on the Association of Consulting Surveyors’ website.

Before surveying begins, make sure your surveyor has the right permits and training. This may include:

• permit recipient training
• high risk permit
• confined space entry permit and training.

To confirm which permits and training they need, contact our Asset Services Team on 131 722.

Required information

You must include your survey findings and development plan with your application to build over our assets and easements.

Please note that in some cases we may need further information before we can formally approve your application.

Survey findings

Your survey findings must include:

• field survey connected to MGA Zone 55 Co-ordinate Datum (a set of reference points used by licensed surveyors)
• reduced levels of the underground asset on Australian Height Datum (asset height above sea level)
• a copy of the asset’s CCTV report – if requested by Melbourne Water

They should also include the location of:

• the underground asset relative to the title boundary
• the underground asset relative to the fence line, which could be different to the title boundary line
• the underground asset centreline and internal pipe dimensions shown (wall thickness may be determined from our design or ’as constructed’ plans, or using concrete pipe standard dimensions)
• any easements on the plan, relative to the underground asset
• any above-ground features within five metres of the underground asset

All survey findings must be provided as a PDF, as well as either:

• .dwg (Autocad)
• .dgn (Microstation)
• .dxf (Drawing Exchange Format - Autocad)

Development plan

Your development plan must include:

• survey findings of Melbourne Water assets that affect your proposed or existing structures (see above requirements)
• offset from the building structures
• balconies
• footings
• eaves
• easements
• title boundaries
• internal pipes – for example sewers, electrical or any structures or works that may impact our assets
• plans to scale
• any other features that have an effect

If you’re unsure what to include, you can view examples of plans showing the required information: