Inspections are required to ensure that our conditions are met, waterways are protected, public safety ensured, property is protected and works and building complies with standards.

​You will be required to arrange a pre-inspection of the proposed work on:

  • a private floating or fixed jetty, pontoon or mooring on Melbourne's waterways

  • bridge, culvert or waterway crossing

  • a connection to stormwater system

  • a shared pathway

  • other types of works

A further inspection may be required for:

  • work over or near any of our easements or underground assets - such as sewers, drains or water mains

  • installing utilities near any of our easements or underground assets

  • minor waterway works such as desilting or bank stabilisation

  • planting or landscaping over or near pipe reserves, easements and floodways

Prior to the inspection you will be required to pay all relevant fees and meet conditions.

Any works undertaken without Melbourne Water approval will be considered illegal under the Water Act.

Application process

A Permit to work will only be issued to the contractor who will be carrying out the work, who has been recipient-trained.

Documents required

To apply for an inspection please supply us with:

  • Melbourne Water reference number

  • copy of the relevant approvals for the proposed work

When we have received your request our inspector will call to discuss possible times for the inspection.  Most projects will involve a number of inspections. You apply for inspections for your project once and your application stays open for 3-6 months.

Inspections may occur at:

  • pre-commencement to meet with the contractor who will do the work

  • at practical completion of work to assess for defects

  • the end of the defect period

Duration

The process takes 5 days to contact the applicant and ensure that all conditions have been met.

Incomplete applications may be delayed or returned requesting additional information.

Fees

Prior to inspection, conditions on our letter of approval for the works must be met and appropriate inspection and security fees are paid.

Contact us

If you need any help completing this application, contact us on 131 722.

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