You can request minor changes to existing water or sewerage infrastructure by following our application process.
Unitywater approves and undertakes the work, but you must pay the cost of any changes you request.
Important note for water and sewerage alterations
If your alteration is part of a larger construction or development project then you do not need to apply for a separate alteration. You are able to request any alterations as part of your development application.
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Changes to existing water meters
You may ask us to:
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convert your meter from above ground to below ground
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raise or lower your meter box
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move your meter horizontally
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install a lockable valve next to your water meter
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test or replace your water meter (the cost of this is refunded if meter is found to be faulty).
Please include the following with your application form:
- the lot and plan of your property
- the owner’s written consent
- for water meter relocations - a dimensioned locality plan showing your preferred meter location
- for meter size reductions - a hydraulic or certifiers certificate.
To increase the size of your standard metered water service connection to a size greater than 25mm, this is to be applied for via a Unitywater Accredited Certifier. The Accreditation Register lists Registered Certifiers who will prepare, assess and submit your applications to Unitywater.
- Upon approval, your certifier will need to submit a Development Works Application via the Development Portal.
If you need help locating your water meter you can check our infrastructure map. You can also request to have someone locate it for you, but you will be charged for this service. Please view our prices.
As a business can I reduce the size of my meter?
You can contract a licensed plumber to complete a hydraulics review of your metering arrangements. A hydraulics review assesses a property’s water use requirements to determine if the property can downsize to a smaller water meter, and therefore pay lower access charges.
If you are able to downsize your water meter(s), you will need to submit a Connection Services Application via the Development Portal, along with a copy of the hydraulics report.
Submit a Connection Services Application
Please note: downsizing your water meter will incur a cost.
Your business can also install water efficient devices and appliances to help to minimise both sewerage and water usage charges on your bill.
Lowering or raising a manhole
If you would like to raise or lower your manhole to keep it level with the ground or to suit your landscaping requirements, then you can apply to adjust the height.
Our Private Works team undertakes this work, but the cost varies depending on the difficulty of the work involved. We can provide a quote to you within 15 working days of receiving your request and (in most cases) perform the work within 20 working days of your payment of the quote.
To request a quote: Please submit a Connection Services Application via the Development Portal and provide a dimensioned locality plan or sketch clearly showing the proposed change in height of the manhole and distances from surrounding structures such as fences and buildings.
Water and sewerage disconnections
If a wastewater or water service connection/water meter is no longer required at your property, your certifier can request disconnection as part of a development application. Alternatively, you can submit an application for disconnection through our Development Portal.
Submit a Connection Services Application
Please note, disconnections associated with demolition must comply with the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 and the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019, which is overseen by the plumbing department of your local council. You can contact them directly using the links below.
Relocate a sewer connection
If you are renovating or rebuilding and your plans are likely to interfere with the sewer connection point, you can have it relocated to a more suitable position on your property.
Our Private Works team undertake this work, but the cost varies depending on the difficulty of the work involved and we can provide a quote.
To request a quote, please submit the form below, along with the following documents:
- drawings approved by Unitywater's Development Services team
- a hydraulic plan approved by your local council’s plumbing services
- a clear scope of works.
We will visit the property, assess the work required, and provide you with a quote within 15 working days and (in most cases) perform the work within 20 working days of your payment of the quote.
A surcharge will apply for credit card payments (Mastercard and Visa) in the Development Portal. Find out more.
