Properties and development
Apply for water and sewer connections
If you are building, renovating or developing in our service area, you may need a new connection or want to make changes to an existing connection.
Use our online form to:
- connect a new property to our services, including drinking water, recycled water and sewerage
- alter, move or repair an existing connection
- remove an existing connection.
On this page
Before you apply
This application can be made by the builder, plumber, developer or property owner.
We will ask you to provide:
- the plumber’s licence number
- site and floor plan
- hydraulic design plans, if required.
In the form, you will need to:
- select your tapping and meter requirements
- confirm if you require a fire service
- pay the application fee by credit card.
Apply for water and sewer connections
Application fee
An application fee is payable by credit card when you apply.
The fee is calculated automatically as you select the service and requirements.
For more detailed information, see our current fees and charges.
Response time
Please allow up to 10 working days for your application to be assessed.
Commercial properties and properties with multiple connections
If your property is commercial, or a new build with multiple dwellings or subdivisions, you must apply for development, and pay any required new customer contributions before you can apply to connect to our services.
What to do when consent is approved
If we approve your application, we will issue you a consent to connect, and attach the property block plan to help you locate our assets before works commence.
Consent to connect
Our consent is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Your connection is subject to the conditions of connection in section 145 of the Water Act 1989. The conditions are binding on the current and future owners and occupiers of the property.
Our approval is subject to any other applicable agreements you currently have with Barwon Water, and the specific conditions detailed in your consent to connect.
All plumbing works must be carried out by a licensed plumber.
Plumbing requirements
Property block plan
The property block plan is issued as the basis of further survey by the plumber, and as a template for the drainage plan.
Before any connection works are conducted, the plumber must use the block plan to confirm the location, boundary and dimension of each asset and connection on the property.
The plumber is responsible for ensuring that the new or existing connection does not pose a risk to our assets and services.
Meter installation
The plumber will arrange with Barwon Water to supply and install the water meter.
Recycled water meters
In recycled water ‘purple-pipe’ areas, we will fit two meters: a drinking water meter and a recycled water meter.
The plumber is responsible for booking mandatory plumbing inspections of the recycled water metering with Barwon Water.
See our page on Class A recycled water: information for plumbers.
Drainage plan
Within 5 days of the completion of plumbing works, the plumber must produce and submit a drainage plan to Barwon Water.
The drainage plan will be an important resource if plumbing works are required on or near the property in the future.
The plumber will mark up the drainage plan on the property block plan to show the location of our assets and the connections points.
See an example plan:
What to do when consent is declined
We will decline consent if the proposed works could damage or block access to our assets, or pose an unacceptable risk to our services.
When we decline consent, we will explain why. If you alter your plans and reapply, we may be able to grant consent.
For more information and technical requirements, see our:
How to make changes to an existing connection
You must seek our approval to make any changes to an existing connection, including repairs, alterations, moving or disconnecting.
Use our online form to apply.