Building surveyors and councils cannot issue a building permit unless you have our written approval to work or build near our assets such as pipes, drains and water mains.
We manage an extensive network of pipes and other resources across Melbourne. This includes sewers, drains, waterways and water mains. Most are on our land, but some may be on or near your property or building site. To check if our assets are near where you want to build, call 1100 or email [email protected].
When do you need Melbourne Water approval?
You must obtain Melbourne Water’s written approval before starting any works that may affect our assets. The required application form and process depend on the type of works and the asset location:
- Build or place permanent structures within or near an easement.
- Excavate near a sewer, drain or water main.
- Connect stormwater to a Melbourne Water drain.
- Construct works over or across a waterway.
- Install utilities within 5 metres of a Melbourne Water asset.
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Undertake works that may affect the structural integrity, access, or operation of Melbourne Water assets.
Need help? We can help you with what you need to do if you plan on working or building near our assets — contact us.
Build, develop and renovate property
If there are assets on or near your property, you’ll need to email [email protected]. We'll help you provide detailed location information to your council so you can apply for a planning permit.
You need our formal approval before you can build or work on any new or existing structure, on or near our assets. Depending on the development type and asset location, there are different forms and processes — use the appropriate ones for your project:
- Build near an asset or easement — read our building requirements for permitted structure types
- Stormwater connection — read our stormwater connection guidelines
- Planting near our sewers, drains, waterways and water mains — read our planting guidelines for easements, reserves and floodways
- Install utilities near sewers, drains, waterways and water mains
- Build a private jetty
- Access Melbourne Water land
- Build a shared path
- Minor waterway work
Utility and other works
Councils, authorities and utility companies need our formal approval before working near our assets.
There are different application forms and processes depending on the type of work and the asset’s location.
- Build near an asset or easement
- Stormwater connections
- Install utilities near sewers, drains, waterways and water mains
- Construct a bridge, waterway crossing or culvert line
- Build a shared path
- Build a fishing platform or jetty
- 3rd Party Sewer Connections - this application is only available to Retail Water Companies.
Requests for Information (RFI) Policy
If additional information is required to complete an assessment, Melbourne Water will issue a formal Request for Information (RFI).
An RFI is a formal request for additional information required to assess your application. This may include clearer plans, missing documents, methodology details near assets, or clarification of scope. When an RFI is issued, assessment is paused while we wait for the requested information. Assessment resumes once a complete response addressing all RFI items is received.
Timeframes
Timeframes are calculated in calendar days from the date the RFI is issued.
Day 45: A reminder is issued.
Day 90: A second reminder is issued advising the application will be closed.
Day 91: The application is closed if the requested information has not been received.
Once an application is closed, a new application and application fee are required to recommence assessment.
If your property has been assessed previously, include any previous application number(s) in your submission or RFI response. Providing this information may reduce rework and improve response times.
