Locating water and sewer assets
Shoalhaven Water is responsible for all work carried out on water and sewer infrastructure, unless prior approval has been granted for specific exemptions. Interfering with our assets is an offence and may lead to legal action.
Our assets and works include things like installing, removing, replacing, or upsizing water meters, water mains, main tappings, hydrant points, and fire services. They also cover work on sewer mains, manholes, and other inspection openings.
Here are our recommendations on what to do prior to any excavation work.
Before you Dig
Before starting any excavation work on your property, it's essential to check for underground pipes and cable networks that may be present.
Damaging underground infrastructure can pose serious safety risks, including injury, service disruption, and costly repairs. Always ensure you’ve located all underground assets before digging.
If you're planning to build, you might also want to see where our pipes are located to help guide your construction plans safely and effectively.
We recommend you visit the Before You Dig (BYDA) website to determine where our water, sewer and sewer junction positions and depths are located. This is a national service dedicated to preventing injury and reducing damage to the complex underground networks that provide essential services to millions of Australians every day.
Lodging an inquiry is a FREE and simple process.
Be advised that the information provided by BYDA is indicative only and Shoalhaven Water does not accept responsibility of accidental damage to assets. If an excavator is unclear about the location of our services, we can assist and undertake an onsite location visit.
Critical asset alert
Should your BYDA query detect a critical asset contact us during business hours on (02) 4429 3214 to notify us of the impending works.
Find out how to dig safely
Plan – Obtain location of pipes from BYDA.
Protect – Protect Shoalhaven Water’s assets, failure to do so may result in joint failure, damage to asset, flooding and injury.
Pothole – Comply with the instructions issued by Shoalhaven Water and/or the work method statement. Begin excavation by hand to expose the services. Have a Shoalhaven Water staff member present during excavation (fees and charges may apply).
Do not use large heavy machinery to locate Council assets, it can lead to possible damage to the asset.
Proceed – Complete the first three steps before proceeding.
Find out how to locate our assets
Water mains are typically located in the footpath or road shoulder and are laid at standard depths. Shoalhaven Water generally allocates space for water infrastructure 2.4 metres from the property boundary line to the back of the kerb.
To help identify the location of water mains, look for:
- Hydrant lids
- Stop valve lids
- Raised reflective markers
- Marker posts
Do not cover or obstruct access to hydrants or valve lids, as these are critical for emergency and maintenance access.
Sewer pipelines are often located within private properties, but can also be found in road reserves, public parks, and other public spaces. Their depth can vary significantly.
To identify sewer infrastructure, look for:
- Manholes (indicating gravity sewer lines)
- Stop valves, scour valve lids or pits, air valve pits, or marker posts (indicating pressure sewer mains)
Keep inspection points and manholes accessible for maintenance crews and always be cautious when landscaping or building near sewer lines.
Certificates online
Shoalhaven City Council provide external sewer diagrams for sale of land and can do a check on internal property lines. Click on the tabs below to find out more.
Sale of Land - Sewer Diagram
External sewer diagrams are available to solicitors or conveyancers for 'sale of land' purpose.
The below link will take you to Shoalhaven City Council's website where you can submit an online service request.
Request a sewer diagram online
Internal drainage diagram
Historically, internal household drainage diagrams may not always be available.
For a fee, Council will search its files for details of household drainage lines which carry wastewater to the reticulated sewerage system or septic disposal system (septic tanks, etc).
The below link will take you to Shoalhaven City Council's website where you can submit an online service request.
Request an internal drainage diagram online
For further information on internal drainage diagrams contact Shoalhaven City Council’s Building and Compliance team on (02) 4429 3211.