Metered standpipes and bulk water filling stations
Shoalhaven Water provides metered standpipes for businesses that need temporary access to bulk water from the water main. Standpipes are for approved commercial activities only and must not be used for agriculture or as a substitute for a normal property water supply.
Examples of acceptable uses include:
- Dust suppression
- Construction activities
- New landscaping projects or bush regeneration
- Water carting
Shoalhaven Water also operates bulk water filling stations, which eligible customers can apply to access to draw water directly from our trunk mains.
Metered standpipe sizes
We offer two sizes of metered standpipes:
- 25mm - for small volume users (max. flow rate: 1.5 L/sec)
- 65mm - for large volume users (max. flow rate: 8.3 L/sec)
Bulk water filling stations
Bulk water filling stations offer a cheap and convenient means for contractors, water carters and customers to access drinking water. Filling up at a bulk water station significantly reduces the time to fill a truck with a typical 10,000 litre truck filling in around 10 minutes. Using a station also reduces the potential to create dirty water events in the reticulation system.
Our bulk water stations are located in:
- Kangaroo Valley - Broughton Street
- Tomerong - Corner of Hawken and Yerunda Roads
Backflow prevention requirements
Protecting our water supply is important to us. In accordance with the requirements of the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) and AS/NZS3500.1, and Council’s policy on Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control, the hirer of a standpipe is required to prevent backflow occurring.
Prevention may be in the form of a fixed air gap or a testable backflow prevention device (e.g. RPZD or DCV).
Fixed Air Gap
An air gap must be 2x the internal diameter of the fill pipe. Photographic evidence showing clear measurements be provided as proof of compliance.
Backflow Prevention Device
Where an air gap is not possible, the hirer must install a testable backflow prevention device on the vehicle or standpipe. The device must be registered with Shoalhaven Water and tested annually by an accredited backflow prevention plumber.
The following examples show RPZD with a portable assembly or a truck-mounted assembly.
The example below shows a backflow protection device on a standpipe.
Failure to comply with annual backflow prevention device test and maintenance inspections may result in legal action.
Fees and charges
On application, approved applicants will be issued an invoice based on the below fees and charges.
|
Quarterly fee |
Water usage charge |
Refundable deposit |
| 25mm standpipe |
$89.50 |
$3.03 per kl |
$357.00 |
| 65mm standpipe |
$145.00 |
$3.03 per kl |
$557.00 |
| Bulk water station |
|
$1.52 per kl |
$78.50 |
Availability and water usage charges are issued at the end of each financial quarter based on the standpipe size and meter reading.
Failure to provide the quarterly standpipe meter reading will incur a $334.00 per quarter for each device.
On return of a standpipe or bulk water station key, any water usage charges will be deducted from the refundable deposit. Failure to maintain or return a cancelled standpipe, will result in harsh penalties.
More information
Metered standpipe and bulk water filling stations hire agreements are non-transferrable and should not be used by any person other than the hirer or persons mentioned in the application.
Termination of an agreement may occur without notice if the hirer fails to comply with reasonable direction of Shoalhaven Water or does not comply with the conditions as set out in the hire agreement. If the agreement is terminated due to a breach, the hirer must immediately return the standpipe, forfeit any charges paid and pay any outstanding amounts.