Apply for Stormwater Licence
Stormwater harvesting pre-application
Because stormwater harvesting can be a complex process we have developed a pre-application stage to assist you with your project. If your project is in the concept stage, you can contact Melbourne Water with the design to seek ‘in principle’ support or further advice from Melbourne Water if your project design is considered unsuitable.
Any ‘in principle’ support granted will of course be conditional on the proposal satisfying a range of conditions including the appropriate determination of suitable allocation of water being available at the location, protection of environmental values and protection of Melbourne Water assets.
Note: This pre-application stage is optional.
Apply for a stormwater harvesting licence from Melbourne Water
You will require a stormwater harvesting licence from Melbourne Water to:
- connect to any new or modified stormwater drain, watercourse or open channel controlled by Melbourne Water
- harvest any quantity of stormwater from a waterway controlled by Melbourne Water or any Melbourne Water asset
In order to satisfy these requirements an application will be required to be submitted with:
- Catchment modelling information to demonstrate the expected volume and timing of resource availability as well as the expected impact on flow regimes from the harvesting proposal
- Environmental impact assessment to determine impacts of the harvesting proposal on fauna and flora both locally and downstream of the proposal.
Note: This formal application for an urban stormwater harvesting licence (and a stormwater connection approval if required) is compulsory. There are application fees associated with this process along with ongoing licensing fees.
Summary
| Status of scheme | Process | Do I need to do this? | What do I get? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concept | Pre-application – use our online system to tell us about your project. We will review the information and respond with an 'in principle letter'. | No. This is an optional stage but can help you scope your project before committing significant funds. | 'In principle letter' of support or further advice if the concept is unsuitable. This letter then enables you to make a formal application or reconsider the proposal. |
| Detailed design | Formal application – use our online system to lodge your application for stormwater harvesting licence and stormwater connection application. Please note fees apply. | Yes. This is a statutory requirement to comply with stormwater harvesting policy. | Stormwater harvesting licence approval and stormwater connection approval. You will require these approvals for your project. |