Development FAQs

Urban Utilities believes having these additional notes might benefit the consultants/contractor as notes reference the appropriate drawings contractor need to comply with, assuring less ambiguity with contractors.

Refer to Table 5.4 of SEQ Sewer Code - Clearances between sewers and other underground services – for guidance.

Additional guidance

SEQ Code no longer specifies requirements for bridging slabs under stormwater pipelines as every crossing must be considered based on the relevant circumstances eg vertical clearance, size/material/class of both pipes, geotechnical factors such as embedment material, trench width, soil conditions and parameters etc.

Satisfying the Code minimum vertical clearance requirements does not necessarily mean that the sewer needs no structural provision.

For sewer to be constructed under an existing or proposed stormwater pipe or channel DN375 to DN600:

• where the vertical clearance requirements are met, concrete encasement is not required
• where the vertical clearance requirements cannot be met, concrete encasement is required.

Concrete encasement is required if sewer to be constructed under an existing or proposed brick lined drains or unlined open drains or channels (regardless of channel size).

For sewer to be constructed under an existing or proposed stormwater pipe or channel =>DN600:

• where the vertical clearance requirements are met, the designer is bound by the SEQ Sewer Code to consider the structural design of sewers with respect to external loadings. This amounts to be calculated based on AS/NZS 2566.1, to show that the actual load on the sewer can be sustained by the pipe. In the absence of the detailed site-specific assessment/calculation including but not limited to the abovementioned factors, for crossing =DN600 and larger, an RPEQ Structural certified slab arrangement is required.
• where the vertical clearance requirements cannot be met, for crossing =DN600 and larger, an RPEQ Structural certified slab arrangement is required.

A Design Refusal Notification is issued when the information provided to Urban Utilities is incorrect or insufficient to endorse under Condition MAJW1 of a Water Approval Decision Notice.

Help is available to avoid a Design Refusal. You may lodge a request for a Services Advice Notice, or seek additional time to allow you to properly respond to an Information Request.

When can I request a Design Services Advice Notice?

Before lodging a Water Approval design application, or upon receiving an Information Request, you can apply for a Services Advice Notice for advice on infrastructure design and technical requirements.

What are the response time frames?

Urban Utilities will respond to your design package submission within 20 business days with an approval, refusal, or Information Request. If an Information Request is issued, you have 20 business days to respond. If during these 20 business days you request a SAN, we may grant an additional 20 business days for you to respond, starting from the date of the original Information Request. Once you have responded, we will issue the approval or refusal in 20 business days. Find out what we commit to and what applicants are required to do in our Terminology and Timeframes Factsheet.

Formed (moulded) PE bends can be used, providing they comply with SEQ Code and IPAM list.

No. Tests may be carried out at each verge or nearby which identifies similar ground conditions at the depth of the pipe trench bed.

For more information regarding pipe trench design, please see the advice detail available from our Standards and Guidelines.

Design item 3.1.6 - Why is geotechnical testing requested upfront? No matter where you take the test, it will only be representative of a single location on the site. It’s more appropriate to undertake testing when trenches are open as this gives a better representation of what we actually encounter during the works.

Trench embedment needs to be determined by the applicant before submitting a design package, thus also eliminating any risk of contractor misinterpretation.  Even where design drawings specify Type 4/D (use of geofabric wrapping), representative DCP site tests along the line of the trench are still necessary to confirm that the trench bed has an allowable bearing capacity of at least 50 kPa. For further advice, please refer to the pipe trench design FAQ below.

A DCP test is a simple and acceptable method that also avoids the need for trenching if Type4/D embedment is adopted. The number of DCP tests required will depend on the variability of the soil.  Please refer to your geotechnical RPEQ for advice.  DCP tests do not need to be undertaken during construction, unless the contractor encounters a weak trench bed. For deep sewerage trenches, native soil modulus is required to determine whether a higher class of pipe is required (see Appendix I of the SEQ Sewerage Code).  Please note, these decisions must be resolved at design stage to enable ordering of the correct pipe.

The general preference for valves is for them not to be in the roadways.

In the case where existing mains are within roadways and a new large service or branch is to be installed e.g. brown field sites, the valve needs to be installed as close as possible to the main tee. If this is the high point and a hydrant is required, the hydrant needs to be installed in the verge.

The preferred arrangement is for the valve to be strapped to a concrete block underneath the valve – similar to that shown for socketed valves on SEQ-WAT-1206-1 below.

Issue

Where anchor legs for flanged/gripper valves are unable to be installed, the detail for flanged valves with DI thrust connector pipe (as also shown SEQ-WAT-1206-1) shall be used as the default.

SEQ-WAT-1206-1

If an EF saddle fitting needs to be retrofitted to a PE pipeline, the minimum radius of curvature in POP202 is the same 100 x OD.

The SEQ Code currently allows either butt-welding or EF couplings for joining PE pipelines.

The minimum radius of curvature will vary depending on the joining type, and whether the hydrant tee is installed as part the initial construction or is retrofitted after the initial construction using an EF saddle.

POP202 suggests 100 x pipe OD as a general guide to the absolute minimum radius on which a FH tee can be installed, which would be R12.5 for DN125 mains, R18 for DN180 mains etc. As per the requirements in POP202, a PE hydrant tee should be welded into the pipeline when it is straight, and the pipeline only curved once it has cooled, in accordance with POP202 and the fitting suppliers requirements.

The requirements in POP202 for the minimum radius can vary depending if the joints are made using butt-welding, or if EF couplings / flanged or other mechanical fittings are used on the curved section. Pipelines joined by butt-welding can have a tighter radius than pipelines joined with EF couplings or Flanged or Mechanical fittings.

If the curve is tighter than the requirements in POP 202, the expectation is that the FH tee will be installed on a straight section of pipe in between curves.

We do not recommend using PE pipe under stormwater services.  Instead, use MSCL pipe, joint-free, concrete encased with Type I embedment, as per drawing SEQ-WAT-1203-1.

The risk of needing to repair or replace water mains in this scenario must be minimised.  Drawings SEQ-WAT-1211-1 to SEQ-WAT-1214-1 should be used as a guide only to an acceptable solution.  Placing water mains under stormwater pipes is a non-conformance with the SEQ Code.  Urban Utilities has agreed that this solution is an acceptable mitigation to address the intent of Note 4 to Table 5.5.

Design item 3.1.7 - Occasionally the developer does not want to undertake potholing, and prefers to assume the risk of redesign, delays, etc that may occur during construction. Will Urban Utilities insist on up-front potholing in this instance? 

Yes. Deferred potholing will not be accepted due to the potential need for design amendments, including major redesigns. Review of amended designs cannot be guaranteed to be completed in less than 20 business days.  Extra costs and delays are borne not only by the developer, but also by Urban Utilities for ongoing review and response, and by the contractor due to delays such as those arising from the design reassessment and the availability of changed materials.

Properly made applications help keep your project moving with fewer requests for information, as well as improving processing times for all customers. 

Reasoning for all valves restraining:

Urban Utilities engineers will continue to investigate the green field fully restrained system scenario and requirements for valve restraining. Urban Utilities expectation is all valves are restrained until advised otherwise.

NB: PE tail valves detail will be added to SEQ-WAT-1206-1. The PE Flex Restraint Fitting installation detail is under development.

Urban Utilities is not going to use PE tail valves until such restraining detail becomes available.

What is Urban Utilities typical arrangement at a tee in a PE water reticulation main (for mains and not at property connections)?

a) Is it a flanged tee with 3x DICL flanged valves, and 2x inline DICL flanged pipe with puddle flange and thrust blocks before adapting back to PE?

b) Or are valves with PE tails allowed ?  Are PE thrust restraints allowable?

c) Is a restraint on one valve in each direction enough or does each valve need restraint ?  If so, how do the valves ever get replaced without demolishing all?

d) Is placing an inline thrust restraint in sewer alignment acceptable without design amendment approval ?  Other service alignments?

Responses: 

a) Type of the valve needs to be considered. 3x DICL flanged valves, and 2x inline DICL flanged pipe with puddle flange and thrust blocks before adapting back to PE is acceptable.

b) PE tail valves are not acceptable until flex restraint detail is developed

c) 1 thrust block restraint on the through main pipe and 1 thrust restraint on the branch is sufficient. The restraint is on the DI piece – the valve can be replaced. For socketed fittings – 3 thrust restraints are required.

d) Placing an inline thrust restraint in sewer alignment is not acceptable without design amendment approval. Every crossing must be considered based on the relevant circumstances (e.g. thrust restraint remains in the sewer corridor and water is on the other side of the road, if it’s on the same side with the watermain and might interfere, etc.). The chances of interfering with other service corridors is to high to allow placing an inline thrust restraint in sewer without design amendment approval. Further clarification: case by case review is required and the outcome will depend on the project specific circumstances.

Clause 7.8.5.1 “Temporary end of pipe” of the SEQ Sewer code should be referred to for guidance.

Urban Utilities may allow not having a maintenance structure at the temporary end of line sewer of the same development provided all of the following criteria are met:

• <= than 2 properties are connected to the sewer length between last maintenance structure and the pipe end
• <= 30m pipe length between last maintenance structure and stop end
• No change in grade is proposed between stages
• Next stage sewer extension to proceed no later than 6 months

Where the above requirements cannot be met, a terminal entry point can be used as a maintenance structure at the end of the sewer line.

Clause 7.9.6.5 “PE mains” of SEQ Water Code” says “The transition areas between PE and other unrestrained pipelines (e.g. RRJ pipes) shall be appropriately restrained with concrete thrust blocks and thrust restraints. An unrestrained fitting installed on PE pipework is not permitted.”

For green field developments, where pipeline system is restrained – thrust restraint is not required. If bedding is done correctly – no extra load should be put on PE pipe.

For brown field sites, thrust restraint is required at the point of connection to the existing pipeline.

New hydrant spacing drawing SEQ-WAT-1101-4 will be introduced to SEQ Water Drawing set (based on SEQ-WAT-1101-2 layout) to demonstrate below requirements.

All fire hydrant spacing requirements must be demonstrated on the design drawings:

The requirements as to whether a pipe can:

• remain PE or 
• need to change to MSCL or 
• needs concrete encasement are outlined below.

For a trenchless construction method – PE is acceptable and no concrete encasement is required.

For open trenching – concrete encased MSCL pipe is preferred.

Additional information:

• Smaller diameter  property connection (achieving min clearances) <=DN63 can remain PE
• Large sizes: >DN63 (treated similar to watermains) MSCL is preferred
• <= DN63 – for PE no encasement required (provided the min clearances requirements are met)
• >DN63 – concrete encased MSCL can be used.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to undertake all necessary geotechnical investigations to inform their design. This includes any investigation to support the stability and structural assessment of deep pipes or structures; and to determine the most appropriate geotextile fabric for pipe trenches (if necessary). The RPEQ certifying the design is responsible for specifying the appropriate requirements.

The 1200-series SEQ Code standard drawings for embedment state (for sewerage):

TYPE 4 SUPPORT TO BE USED WHERE MIGRATORY NATIVE SOILS (SANDS AND CLAYS) ARE ENCOUNTERED ADJACENT TO THE EMBEDMENT ZONE AND SINGLE SIZE AGGREGATE IS USED. (The note for water differs only in the trench type label being Type D rather than Type 4.) i.e., filter fabric is required if the native soil is migratory.

1. Sand will migrate into the embedment because the Civil IPAM list requires the use of single-sized nominal 5mm or 7mm crushed rock. Sand is non-cohesive material typically finer than 5mm (with more than half of the coarse fraction smaller than 2.36mm). Therefore, if the native soil is non-cohesive, a grading analysis will confirm whether the soil is a sand as classified in AS1726:2017 Geotechnical Site Investigations, which will require filter fabric.
2. Migratory clay can be identified using the Emerson Dispersion Index test or the Pinhole test. (Both tests must be carried out when soil bearing strength is less than 50kPa. Otherwise the applicant can choose one or the other.)
3. The bearing strength test requirement is not only related to whether the native material is migratory. It will determine whether a more onerous trench design is required. If the native soil is very weak cohesive material, it can migrate into the trench and/or cause settlement of the pipe in the trench. A dispersion test does not identify that issue.

The applicant must provide an interpretive report when native soil is identified as having less than 50kPa bearing strength. The applicant’s RPEQ design engineer must address the report’s finding in the design:

• justifying that a more onerous design is not required; or
• justifying whether one of the details shown on SEQ Code standard drawings (such as SEQ-SEW-1204-1) would be adequate; or
• providing a specific design, including whether structural support and/or filter fabric would be appropriate and if so, the type(s) required.
  
  Note: SEQ-SEW-1204-1 also requires filter fabric to fully wrap the embedment.

The following information is required to be submitted as part of the complete design package before we will consider a request for a non-standard water main or sewer alignment.

1. Written evidence of no objection from the road owner for any infrastructure alignments outside the allocated corridors for water and sewerage infrastructure in the road reserve. Refer to the council’s standard drawings for more information.
2. Where practicable, sewers and water mains are located on opposite sides of the road reserve unless justified otherwise and the design otherwise complies with the SEQ Code.
3. Infrastructure layouts must comply with the arrangement in the Water Approval, otherwise an application for an Amended Water Approval Decision Notice is required. Refer to Amendments and variations FAQ below.
4. Clearances and cover must be maintained in accordance with the SEQ Code.
5. Justification to the satisfaction of Urban Utilities for any non-standard arrangements in the Major Works Design Package Submission Form in Section 4 ‘Details of Non-Conformance’.The cost of works is not a valid reason for non-compliance with the SEQ Code.

Important:

• Even if the local council has agreed to a non-standard alignment, it may not be endorsed by Urban Utilities.
• Clearances between sewers and water mains require careful attention to meet SEQ Code requirements when they are proposed to be located on the same side of the road.
• Water mains shall be joint-free where they pass near a sewerage maintenance structure for a distance equivalent to the clearance distance required between sewers and water mains.

The Major Works Design submission form requires the applicant to carry out and submit the results of geotechnical investigations to justify the trench design. 

The following table is provided for guidance.

Note:

1. AS 1289.3.8.1:2017 Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes - Soil classification tests - Dispersion - Determination of Emerson class number of a soil
2. AS 1289.3.8.3:2014 Soil classification tests – Dispersion – Determination of pinhole dispersion classification of a soil
3. As specified on Drawing SEQ-SEW-1200-1 and SEQ-WAT-1200-1, a special geotechnical assessment is required when soil bearing strength is less than 50 kPa.  The resultant interpretive report must recommend design parameter values to be adopted for the design.

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

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 SEQ 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.

A multi stage development can be identified by:

• one water approval application may be required for an area that covers more than one development application/approval or vice versa
• one or more water approvals may be required for one or more development approvals where development is dependent on water and wastewater servicing beyond the application boundary to function as a whole development.

Requirements for lodging a multi stage development application are outlined in the Water Netserv Plan under the Staged Connection Criteria. 

The criteria states:

(1) A staging plan must be submitted setting out the proposed stages of the staged connection and the servicing strategy to effect the connection.

(2) The servicing strategy must include a sufficient level of detail to identify the demand for each stage and proposed servicing solution including any property service infrastructure or network infrastructure required.

Council approvals, such as plan sealing or plumbing approvals, require the Urban Utilities’ Water Approval Decision Notice and council-issued Decision Notice to reflect the same development details (such as exact gross floor area or total number and type of dwellings). Failure to request an Urban Utilities Water Approval Amended Decision Notice in the circumstances outlined below may prevent you from gaining council approvals.

Changes to a council-issued Decision Notice: Where the demand associated with the development changes (increases or decreases) and the council Development Approval is updated following issue of the Water Approval Decision Notice by Urban Utilities, a Water Approval Amended Decision Notice will be required. For example, in the situation where the dwelling changes from a two to a three-bedroom unit or there is an increase in the total gross floor area, we will re-assess and document the development’s impact on the network, and the value of the associated infrastructure charges.

Changes to infrastructure: Where 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 Water Approval 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 by emailing DevelopmentEnquiries@urbanutilities.com.au in the first instance and reference the Developer Customer Price List details. 

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

How do I request an amended Water Approval Decision Notice?

Only the original applicant (or their representative, as assigned in the Urban Utilities Developer Applications Portal) is permitted to request a Water Approval Amended Decision Notice.

Log in to the Developer Services Portal and access the application related to the Decision Notice. Click on the button Request an Amendment to Decision Notice. Follow the steps from there. For detailed guidance, refer to the Quick Reference Guide - Request an Amendment to a Decision Notice.   

To seek an Extension of Currency, log in to the Developer Services Portal and access the relevant application. Click the button Request Extension of Currency. Follow the steps from there.   For detailed guidance, refer to the Quick Reference Guide - Request an Extension of Currency.

If you have questions or require advice, please email DevelopmentEnquiries@urbanutilities.com.au or call us on 
07 3432 2200 (8:30am - 4:30pm weekdays).

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

Further information can be found in SC2.7 Request to change a water approval condition of the Water Netserv Plan.

If there are site constraints that require a non-standard arrangement or approval, you will need to submit a Design Variation through the Developer Services Portal. 

Log in to the Developer Services Portal and open the relevant application. Click the Design Variation button. Follow the steps. For detailed guidance, refer to the Quick Reference Guide - Submit a Design Variation. If the button is not visible, email us DevelopmentEnquiries@urbanutilities.com.au or call  07 3432 2200 (8:30am - 4:30pm weekdays). 

To help us meet your expectations of a timely and consistent assessment, please ensure the following are included with your request. 

• RPEQ signed letter detailing the scope and reasons for the requested variation
• design information, including relevant drawings and calculations
• any other documents that will assist assessment of your request, including external agency referrals, consent from Queensland Government agencies etc.

Assessment of your design variation request will be undertaken following receipted payment of fees and charges. Please note that conditions/eligibility are detailed also in the Developer Customer Price List.

• Standard Connections
• Non-Standard Connections
• Services Advice Notice
• Approval to lower or raise a manhole (less than 3m. For G-type larger than 3m, or raising other types, apply for a Non-Standard Connection depending on scope of works)

• Flow and Pressure Test (SAN lodgement process)
• Engineering searches
• Build over infrastructure referrals
• Water Supply and/or Wastewater Works requests
• Letter of Evidence requests

1. First you'll need to decide what service you require.
2. Then download our Check for Completeness Guideline to help prepare a complete and correct application. This useful resource helps you to save time and money by explaining how to lodge a properly made application with all the information necessary for the timely assessment of your application.
3. Gather the necessary forms and information for your application from the list of commonly required items below:

Common forms and information you may need (find the forms required during the initial application stage at Development forms) 

4. We will review your application within five (5) business days. If all the required information has been provided, and fees paid, you will be notified that your application has been ‘properly made’        and the formal assessment will commence. 

If any information is missing or incomplete, we will issue an Action Notice identifying what is needed. You must provide us this information within 10 business days, otherwise your application will be cancelled, and fees forfeited. When all the necessary information is provided to us and fees paid within the 10 business day time frame, you will be notified that your application has been ‘properly made’ and we will commence assessment.

Once properly made, we will begin assessing your application. If we require further details to help us complete the assessment, we will issue an Information Request by email and you will need to lodge the additional information via the Developer Application Portal within 20 business days. If you don’t supply the additional information within this time, we will continue assessing your application on the information provided and a decision will be made.

All applications are assessed against the criteria set out in our Water Netserv Plan (Part A). Once complete you will receive a Decision Notice confirming:

• approval or refusal of your request
• conditions that apply to your Water Approval (or reasons for its refusal)
• next steps in the connection process (if approval has been granted).

For time frames, refer to our service standards.

Our Developer Customer Service team is available to assist you between 8:30am – 4:30pm weekdays. Please call us on 07 3432 2200 or send an email to developmentenquiries@urbanutilities.com.au

Before calling, some things to check if you are having trouble connecting to the Portal:

1. It can only be accessed via your Developer Portal account, not your residential My Account (if you are also a residential customer of Urban Utilities).
2. For best results, open the Portal using either Chrome or Firefox as your browser.

A complete and well prepared As-Constructed Package will help when it comes to the timely issue of your Connection Certificate.

Keep your compliance assessment moving with fewer requests for information by following these helpful tips, in addition to meeting the requirements of the As-Constructed Package Certification form:

• all forms completed accurately including signature of certifying RPEQ where required
• documents are uploaded and titled as per the relevant name or description on the As-Constructed Package Certification form
• site inspection reports feature location, date and time, as well as detailed descriptions of the compliance or defect rectifications and photos to identify the site and key attributes 
• testing reports and receipts are appropriately sized and copied for easy reading
• receipts and dockets show delivery address
• back and front images of contractor accreditation
• designs and drawings feature all mandatory Urban Utilities title blocks.

Access detailed information about how to prepare a compliant As-Constructed Package submission.

A picture speaks a thousand words, and this is especially true for site inspection reports. Adding photos of installed components may enable our engineers and technical officers to conduct faster and more comprehensive compliance reviews, and can avoid the need for requests for information (RFIs). The following tips offer a helpful guide for using images effectively in your reports:

• Plan ahead wherever possible to ensure you take photos at critical milestones. Give instructions to Developers and Contractors in regards to capturing relevant images. 
• Record and include place, date and details of the works compliance or defect rectifications in your report.
• Provide a clear description on each photo, including location details to identify the site and context/key attributes.
• Ensure the photograph does not misrepresent the situation.

Lodging a water approval for a staged development follows the same stages as outlined in What information do I need to make an application? (above)

The main difference is that on the Property Information Form, you will be asked to provide further information such as:

• catchment plan
• staging plan incorporating development sequencing
• servicing strategy for the entire catchment in interim and ultimate
• identification of the infrastructure required and timeframe for delivery.

Navigating Staged Water Approvals can be confusing when using the Developer Applications Portal. To help you determine the best way to proceed based on your development, please refer to the following scenario that best describes your circumstances.

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.

Application process: Submit one Water Approval application for all stages of development via a Non-Standard Connection application.

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

Benefit: Management of only one application, one 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 an 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

Most properties in our service area have an individual private sewer, which drains to a property connection and into the Urban Utilities sewer network. Each property has an individual property connection which is owned and maintained by 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 Urban Utilities’ connection point. A combined sanitary drain is not owned or operated by the local council or Urban Utilities.

Their maintenance, operation and installation falls under the Queensland 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 millimetres, or 4 inches) than a Urban Utilities reticulated sewer.

Download the Combined Sanitary Drains guideline (PDF)

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 our Sub-metering Kit and Standard Meter Drawings for guidance on metering.

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

If you are seeking approval from Council to realign a property boundary or undertake a volumetric subdivision, you may need to provide evidence from 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 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 download and complete our Letter of Evidence Request form. 
 
Step 2: Email the completed form (and any relevant attachments) to developmentenquiries@urbanutilities.com.au.

Once we receive the completed 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.

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 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 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 1 (Planning and Design) V1.2-2018

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

Refer to SEQ Water Supply 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 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

• Hydrants shall be installed at a maximum spacing of 80m (Clause 8.8.8 (d)).

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 Urban Utilities' purposes, they are not intended to supplant building firefighting provisions. Refer to State Planning Policy requirements for building firefighting provisions.
• Fire protection within community title scheme developments shall comply with the State Planning Policy requirements.
• Hydrants shall be located inline (+/- 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 SEQ Code or Urban Utilities guidelines.

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 SEQ Code for further details
Pressure testing results form part of the As-Constructed Package required to gain a Connection Certificate from  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.

Urban Utilities reserves the right to impose pressure testing.