Development FAQs

Queensland Urban Utilities Water Netserv Plan - Connections Policy
V1.2-2016

19.0 - Amending conditions in a Water Approval and determining conversion applications (PDF)

Council approvals, such as plan sealing or plumbing approvals, require Queensland Urban Utilities’ Decision Notice and Council’s Development Approval to reflect the same development details (such as exact GFA or total number and type of dwellings). Failure to request an amended Decision Notice in the below circumstances may prevent you from gaining council approvals.

Changes to a Development Approval: An amended Decision Notice is required if the demand associated with the development changes (increases or decreases) and the council Development Approval is updated after a Decision Notice has been issued by Queensland Urban Utilities. For example, the dwelling changes from a two to a three bedroom unit or there is an increase in the total GFA. We will re-assess and document the development’s impact on the network, and the value of the associated infrastructure charges.

Changes to infrastructure: If the overall layout or architectural design of a development is changed, the water and/or wastewater infrastructure required to service the development and associated approval conditions may need to be altered. As we reference a point and format for connection in the Decision Notice, substantial changes to the water and/or wastewater designs (e.g. point of connection to the network) may require an amended decision notice. If you are unsure, contact the assessing officer in the first instance.

Developer requests changes to Queensland Urban Utilities’ Approval Conditions: If you are seeking to amend the approval conditions applied by Queensland Urban Utilities in the initial Decision Notice because you believe they are unwarranted, unnecessary or unreasonable. In some circumstances an Internal Review may be required.

An administrative error is in the Decision Notice:  The content of a Decision Notice must accurately reflect the applicant’s details, site address, water and sewer services requested, and development demand. If required, we will reissue a Decision Notice with administrative amendments.

How do I request an amended Decision Notice?

Only the original applicant (or their representative, as assigned in the Queensland Urban Utilities Applications Portal) can request an amendment to a Decision Notice.

To request an amendment email DCMTenquiries@urbanutilities.com.au with the following information:

• details and reason for amendment
• attach relevant documentation (such as council’s approval for a Permissible Change or a revised infrastructure layout).

An amendment to a Decision Notice incurs the standard base application fee (unless it is an administrative error made by Queensland Urban Utilities). This fee is charged as the development’s requirements will be re-assessed and a new Decision Notice with approval conditions issued. A new Infrastructure Charges Notice may also be required.

Please allow 20 business days for a Decision Notice amendment.

Contractors may be required to obtain a license to carry out work connecting, disconnecting or altering water networks according to Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) Regulation 2003.

Where a license is required, it is important for hired contractors to complete license checks prior to seeking a permit with Queensland Urban Utilities. We are required to report contractors working on our network without the correct licenses to QBCC for investigation.

When does a hired contractor need a license?

Contractors do not need a license if:

• Working on a water reticulation system, sewerage system or stormwater drain that isn’t within private land
• Constructing, extending, repairing or replacing either a water reticulation system, sewerage system or stormwater drain, where infrastructure does not connect a particular building to a main of the system or drain.

Contractors do need a license if:

• Connecting properties from main to the property boundary. This work requires a “Contractors License”
• Conducting any work inside private property, including subdivisions during construction. This work requires a “Contractors License”, as well as an “Occupational Work License” in the case of plumbing and drainage.

For more information, visit the QBCC website.

SEQ Water Supply Code - Part 2 (Construction)
V1.1-2015

Extracts from clause 19.4 “Conduct and report testing in accordance with Section 6 of AS/NZS 2566.2:2002 (Buried Flexible Pipelines – Installation) using the test method appropriate for the pipe material as nominated in the AS/NZS standard i.e. Clause 6.3.4.1 (method M4) for DI and PVC pipes and Clause 6.3.4.2 (method M5) for PE pipes.”

“The test pressure shall be minimum 1200 kPa applied as close as practicable to the lowest point of the main, including drinking and non-drinking water systems as per Australian standards.”

“Hydrostatic pressure testing of property services shall be undertaken at the same time and to the same parameters as the water mains.”

“If property services are required to be tested separate to mains testing, ensure the maintap at each connection is opened following the pressure test.”

19.4.4 Under pressure cut-in connections

“Test the connection assembly on the host pipe prior to drilling in accordance with this Clause and any other Water Agency requirements.

Before cutting-in to the host pipe, pressure test the assembly by applying a pressure that is 400 kPa above the operating pressure of the pipeline, but does not exceed 1600 kPa, for a period not less than 3 minutes.

Visually inspect the assembly for leaks.

Accept the pressure test on the assembly if there is:
(a) no visible leakage; and
(b) no failure of any pipe, off-take, valve, joint or any other assembly component.”

Extract from AS2566.2 – Appendix M

"Testing shall not take place against closed valves unless they are fully restrained and it is possible to check for leakage past the valve seat. Mechanical ends that are not end load resistant shall be temporarily strutted or anchored, to withstand the test pressures without movement."

Please refer to the Code for further details

Pressure testing results form part of the As-Constructed Package (PDF) required to gain a Connection Certificate from Queensland Urban Utilities.

As per the SEQ Code, pressure testing is required for all water mains and property service connections.

We recognise that pressure testing may not be practical in the following scenarios:
•    live work cut ins to existing water mains where damage to the existing network could occur
•    small diameter property service connections (<=DN63PE)  that are installed in isolation (i.e. without associated water main).
The RPEQ Engineer can assess practicality of pressure testing in these scenarios and certify the connection in the absence of pressure testing.

This decision should be assessed using engineering judgement, taking into consideration location of the works, site constraints, number of pipe joints, proposed fittings, existing and proposed arrangement, risks and associated consequence of pipe leaks or failure.

The extent of pressure testing should be determined during the design phase and incorporated on the RPEQ certified design drawings, including any temporary fittings necessary to facilitate the testing (e.g. temporary hydrants and drilled and tapped blank flanges).

If you choose to not perform pressure testing and this has been marked on the design, please tick “Not required” in Section B of the As-Constructed Package Certification Form. Note: An updated version of this form will be provided soon.

Queensland Urban Utilities reserves the right to impose pressure testing. 

Queensland Urban Utilities Water Netserv Plan - Connections Policy
V1.2-2016

12.1 - Connection Criteria (PDF)

When a new development (or a modification to an existing development) reuses an existing connection, this may be considered an ‘alteration’ to our network (even if there is no physical change to Queensland Urban Utilities' infrastructure).

A Water Approval is required for any alteration to our network.

An alteration can include, but is not limited to:

• change in the development type as specified in the Water Netserv Plan – Charges Schedule
• change in the demand unit, for example an increase in square metres GFA for commercial/industrial development
• material change in the property's consumption of water or discharge of sewage
• material change in the property’s sewage discharge quality.

For more details please refer to the Water Netserv Plan - Connections Policy (12.1.3) (PDF)

The RPEQ Engineer should assess the suitability of the existing property connection to be reused.

• For sewer connection assessment refer to Table 4.3 of the SEQ Sewerage Code.
• For water connection assessment engage a hydraulic consultant to confirm connection is sufficiently sized to meet the needs of the development.

Reuse of an existing connection may incur infrastructure charges as per the Water Netserv Plan – Charges Schedule.

Supporting information

• SEQ Code
• Water Netserv Plan
• Fire Hydrant & Hose Reel Metering Arrangements
  

If you are seeking approval from Council to realign a property boundary or undertake a volumetric subdivision, you may need to provide evidence from Queensland Urban Utilities that an existing water or sewerage connection services the lots.

First identify if you are seeking approval to:

a) realign a property boundary, or
b) undertake a volumetric subdivision.

If so, confirm with Council whether evidence is required to prove an existing water and sewerage connection services the lots.

If required, please proceed to request a letter of evidence from us. To help keep things simple, we have provided some simple instructions and criteria below.

Requesting a letter of evidence

To request an evidence of connection letter, please do so while completing our Engineering Search request form (PDF)

Step one: In the "Supporting Information" field, indicate you need an:
a) 'evidence of connection letter [property boundary re-alignment]' or
b) 'evidence of connection letter [volumetric subdivision]'.

Step 2: Email the completed Engineering Search form to developmentenquiries@urbanutilities.com.au with your development plans attached.

Once we receive the completed Engineering Search form with correct information, your request will be assessed and, where successful, a letter of evidence will be provided to you within 10 business days.

What criteria do we assess to ensure an evidence of connection letter may be issued?

Our team will assess your request to ensure the property boundary re-alignment or volumetric subdivision meets your local Council’s requirements, whereby the proposed request:  

a) does not impact existing water and sewerage infrastructure
b) results in no changes to water and sewerage demand and service requirements
c) attracts no payment of infrastructure charges

Please note if any of these requirements are not met, a new connection may be required to service the lot.

Most properties in our service area have an individual private sewer, which drains to a property connection and into the Queensland Urban Utilities sewer network. Each property has an individual property connection which is owned and maintained by Queensland Urban Utilities.

However, some properties (typically those in older, inner city suburbs) are instead serviced by ‘combined sanitary drains’.

A combined sanitary drain is a communal private sanitary drain that services two or more properties, and drains to one common Queensland Urban Utilities’ connection point. A combined sanitary drain is not owned or operated by the local Council or Queensland Urban Utilities.

Their maintenance, operation and installation falls under the Queensland state plumbing legislation and as such, any queries relating to existing combined sanitary drains must be forwarded onto the local Council for that area. The pipes which make up combined drains typically have a smaller diameter (100 milimetres, or 4 inches) than a Queensland Urban Utilities reticulated sewer.

Download the Combined Sanitary Drains guideline (PDF)

Queensland Urban Utilities Water Netserv Plan - Connections Policy
V1.2-2016

• 13.0 - Connection Criteria (Staged Water Connection)
• 15.5 - Apply for a Staged Water Connection

Refer to the Connections Policy (PDF)

We acknowledge that our Applications Portal does not provide an easy system for managing Staged Water Approvals. Until an improvement is delivered, please proceed with either of the following scenarios. Thank you for your patience.

If you are unsure of how to proceed, please confirm development intentions with your client.

Scenario 1: You intend to plan seal the entire development at once.

<href="http:>Application process: Submit one Water Approval application for all stages of development via a Property Service or Network Connection application (not a Staged Water Approval).

Cost: You will receive one Decision Notice, including base application fees and associated Minor or Major Works charges.

Benefit: Management of only one application, Decision Notice and related fees. However, you will not be able to plan seal progressively (e.g. seal an individual stage). All infrastructure charges must be paid and all connection works must be completed for the entire development before a Queensland Urban Utilities Connection Certificate will be issued. A Connection Certificate is a requirement of council plan sealing.

Scenario 2: You intend to plan seal the development in stages.

Application process: Submit a Staged Water Approval application for the first stage(s) of the development. The first staged application must include a staging plan setting out the proposed stages of connection and a servicing strategy with a sufficient level of detail to identify the demand for each stage and proposed servicing solution and infrastructure required.

We will assess the entire development, but issue a Decision Notice for the first stage(s) of development only.
You will then need to submit further Staged Water Approval applications for subsequent stages to suit the sequencing of your construction and plan sealing development assessment requirements. You will receive a separate Decision Notice for each approved stage.

Cost: You will incur application fees and associated Minor or Major Works charges for each stage of development.  

Benefit: The flexibility to pay infrastructure charges and complete works progressively to meet your development requirements.

SEQ Sewerage Code - Part 1 (Planning and Design), Clause 5.5.2
V1.2-2016

For servicing the whole of a multiple occupancy lot (strata title, community title, dual occupancy) a single point of connection shall be provided.

SEQ Water Supply Code - Part 1 (Planning and Design), Clause 5.11.12
V1.1-2015

Community title schemes shall be provided with a single service to the property boundary.

Refer to the Code

Note: SEQ Water Supply Code, Clause 5.11.12 refers to water services for domestic supply purposes only.

Property service requirements

Sewer - Single point of connection as per SEQ Sewerage Code. Exceptions can be granted if topographical constraints exist.
Water - As per the October 2015 Schedule of Amendments to the SEQ Water Supply Code, in certain circumstances additional property services are permitted for private fire fighting (refer to 8.8.12, 8.8.8).

Metering requirements

Refer to Queensland Urban Utilities' Submetering Policy  and Fire Hydrant & Hose Reel Metering Arrangements for guidance on metering.

Lodge a Design Variation to request a variation to the Code or Queensland Urban Utilities guidelines.

SEQ Sewerage Code - Part 1 (Planning and Design), Clause 5.8 (a)
V1.2-2016

10 metres for DN100 (DN110PE) property connection sewers (may be increased to up to 25 metres for connections in brownfield developments at the discretion of the relevant SEQ-SP).

Refer to the Code

Exceptions for brownfield developments

Queensland Urban Utilities may permit DN100 sewer property connections up to 25 metres in length when the location of the existing sewer network may cause increased construction costs or significant work on neighbouring properties.

Brownfield developments should comply with the SEQ Code where feasible, however we will grant exceptions on a case by case basis. Lodge a Design Variation in the Applications Portal to request this exception.

Exceptions will not be granted for greenfield developments.

SEQ Water Supply Code - Part 1 (Planning and Design), Clause 7.9
V1.1-2015

Generally, a fully restrained PE pipe system does not require the use of anchorage. The restrained system may be provided through welded joints, restrained couplings or flanges. Designers shall assess the needs for anchorage i.e. ends of mains or transition between different pipe materials. The transition areas shall be restrained with concrete thrust restraints.

Pipework that is subject to thrust forces must have appropriate thrust restraints (e.g. thrust blocks). For example, PE pipework must have a ductile iron thrust connector with in-line thrust restraint where it transitions to non-PE pipe material.

The purpose is to restrain unbalanced forces and prevent joint separation caused by internal pressure and shortening/lengthening due to temperature changes and Poissons effect.

Refer to the Code

Thrust block design

Thrust blocks must be designed for a minimum test pressure of 1200kPa. Refer to standard drawings SEQ-WAT-1104-1 (Detail A: In-line connection), 1205-1, 1206-1, 1207-1, 1208-1.

Note: The standard drawings do not apply in soils with less than 50kPa bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment and individual design is required for these soils.

Design drawings must show the thrust force and direction (refer SEQ-WAT-1101-2).

Important consideration: Where excavation is proposed in the vicinity of existing live pipelines, the effect of removing soil behind unrestrained fittings/thrust blocks must be considered. Alternative thrust restraint must be implemented (or the live pipelines temporarily shut-down) to ensure work health and safety risks are addressed.

SEQ Water Supply Code - Part 1 (Planning and Design)
V1.1-2015

Clause 8.8. Also refer to clause 8.6.2, 8.8.3, 8.8.5, 8.8.8-11

Refer to the Code

The position of hydrants on water mains shall comply with the following requirements:

Location

• Every property shall have a hydrant within 40m of its front boundary (this requirement can be relaxed for urban residential infill developments where the water mains already exist) (Clause 8.8.8 (a)).
• In urban areas, every property, other than those that are part of a community title scheme, shall have a hydrant within 90m of the furthest point of any existing, proposed, or future Class 1 buildings, measured along the street to the property entrance and around the perimeter of the building (where this requirement cannot be met from hydrants on Queensland Urban Utilities mains in public streets, a private fire main must be provided on the property) (Clause 8.8.8 (b)).
• Hydrants shall be installed at crests, low points and other points for operational purposes (Clause 8.8.8 (c)) - refer to additional requirements below.

Spacing

• In urban areas, hydrants shall be installed at a maximum spacing of 80m (Clause 8.8.8 (d)).
• In rural areas, hydrants shall be installed at a maximum spacing of 240 m (Clause 8.8.8 (e)).

Design considerations for operational purposes

• At high points on reticulation mains to release air during charging, to allow air to enter the main when dewatering and for manual release of any build-up of air (Clause 8.8.10).
• Adjacent to scours at low points for water saving purposes (Clause 8.6.2, 8.8.10).
• To facilitate flushing/swabbing of each section of water main (Clause 8.8.3).
• A minimum of one hydrant is required between two stop valves (Clause 8.8.3).
• At ends of mains adjacent to scours (Clause 8.8.11).

NOTE:

• Hydrant requirements as stated in the SEQ Code are for Queensland Urban Utilities' purposes, they are not intended to supplant building fire fighting provisions. Refer to State Planning Policy requirements for building fire fighting provisions.
• Fire protection within community title scheme developments shall comply with the State Planning Policy requirements.
• Hydrants shall be located in line (+/- 200 mm) with the side real property boundary (Clause 8.8.9).
• Hydrants shall not be located under driveways (Clause 8.8.9).
• Hydrant requirements apply to reticulation mains <=DN300.

Lodge a Design Variation to request a variation to the Code or Queensland Urban Utilities guidelines.