/ Planning & Building / Meter Installations / Commercial Connections & Manifolds

Commercial Connections & Manifolds

Developments such as commercial, medium density, or industrial developments may require larger service connections than the standard residential property.  

Combo meter

Commercial Water Meter Connections

Shoalhaven Water will install commercial meter connections to properties located within range of our water reticulation system. Our metered service sizes are 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, 50mm, 80mm, and 100mm. For services larger than 100mm, we will provide a quote on request. 

Once a meter has been installed on your property all internal pipes, taps, and drains on the property become the property owner’s responsibility. At any stage, should you notice the meter leaking, contact us and we will repair the service at no charge.

Further to this, once a meter is installed, the property owner will be issued quarterly Water Accounts with a breakdown of charges including availability based on the size of the connection, possible liquid trade waste charges which may include a discharge factor, and water and/or sewer usage charges.  

Should the meter be damaged or interfered with, charges may be issued to the property owner.

Manifold Connections

If your development requires 2 or more 20mm meter connections, then you will require a manifold installation. 

Our process for manifold meters allows for a staged installation of services, particularly for developments that may not require all services to be connected at once. This option can be selected within your installation request.

Once a manifold has been installed, the property owner will be issued quarterly Water Accounts for water availability and usage charges based on each meter.

How do I apply for a commercial meter connection or manifold?

To apply for a new commercial meter connection that is 25mm or greater, a manifold connection, or fire service installation, follow this link and submit our online Connections, Manifolds & Fire Services Request.

When using our online form, you are required to:

  • Submit a Service Location Plan showing us exactly where you would like the meter, manifold, or fire service to be installed, this can be attached as a jpg or pdf
  • Visit the Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) website to identify which side of the street the water main is located. If you are in a new development and the water main is located on the opposite side of the street, there is a chance a conduit is already in place. If this is the case, to install your water in a different location will result in further installation charges applying. 
  • Submit hydraulic plans and water sizing calculations that have been provided by a qualified consultant

What happens after I submit the connection request?

On receipt and review of your connection or manifold request, we will issue a payment advice which must be paid prior to work commencing. Please be advised:

  • It can take several weeks from lodgement to payment advice being issued – delays will occur if correct documentation has not been provided to support your application.
  • Work will not commence until full payment is made
  • On receipt of payment your request will be entered into the system. We will forward you an email with a unique reference number which can be used to follow up work status. 
  • Installations or alterations can take up to 8 weeks to complete. To avoid further delays, ensure you provide us accurate information.
Follow this link to review our guide to Meter Installation – Fees & Charges.

What are water usage and trade waste charges?

Some businesses generate a high load on the sewerage system and therefore appropriate fees are levied for liquid trade waste discharges. These are in addition to non-residential sewer usage charges. Usage charges do not apply to all businesses.  

Discharge volumes are determined by applying a discharge factor to the metered water consumption or by measuring the volume of liquid trade waste discharged into the sewer. A usage charge will be shown on the quarterly Water Account. 

Who is responsible for paying Liquid Trade Waste fees?

It is the landowner’s responsibility for the payment of all fees and charges associated with the property unless otherwise stated in a prior agreement between the property owner and a tenant. 

For more information, follow this link to our Liquid Trade Waste page.

Will I require a backflow prevention device?

Through the development application process, your business activity will determine whether a backflow prevention device is required. Under Council's Backflow Prevention Policy, all fire services are required to have a double check detector assembly installed.

For more information regarding the protection of our water supply, please follow this link to our Backflow Prevention information page. 

Hydraulic Plans & Water Sizing Calculations

You may be required to submit hydraulic plans or water sizing calculations to support your request for a new service connection. This must be provided by a qualified consultant such as a plumber or hydraulics consultant in accordance with AS3500.

Details that must be provided by the hydraulic consultant include:

  • Available water pressure (a water pressure certificate can be provided on application)
  • Existing size of water mains serving the development
  • Size of metered and unmetered services required
  • Development complexity
  • Use of water and demand allocation in calculation stage
  • Location of proposed metered and unmetered services
  • Number of meter services
  • Access to metered services
  • Maintenance and/or replacement of metered services
  • Backflow Prevention Devices (which may impact water pressure)
  • Impact to the water supply system

What is a Service Location Plan?

The Service Location Plan is required to assist Shoalhaven Water with where you want your service installed. Simply attach a drawing or your plans to our online request as either a jpg or pdf. 

To avoid lengthy delays in processing your request, the nominated location of the meter must:

  • Be within clearly indicated property boundaries,
  • Be located along the front boundary, 
  • Not exceed 1 metre in from the front boundary, and
  • The site must have a 2m square clearance where the installation is to occur. 
Unmarked property boundaries or obstructions to or on the site will cause delays in installation. 

Service Location Plan

Terms & Conditions

  • Approval may be required before payment advice is issued. 
  • Work will not proceed until full payment has been received. 
  • If required, Hydraulic Plans and Water Sizing Calculations must be provided.
  • Shoalhaven Water will only undertake work up to the meter, any internal plumbing will be the responsibility of the property owner.
  • It is the property owner's responsibility to ensure the position of the meter is located within the property boundary. Incorrect or unclear boundaries may result in costly relocation fees.
  • The nominated position must have a 2m square clearance for installation accessibility. Obstructions will result in delayed installation.
  • Council reserves the right to alter the position of the service if necessary and will notify you in this instance.
  • Once installed, all metered services will be levied water and wastewater availability charges based on the size and number of service connections. Sewer and trade waste charges may also apply.
  • If the applicant is not the property owner, the applicant must notify the owner of the impending charges.

Need More Help?

For further information regarding Commercial, Manifold or Fire Service Connections or for advice on progress of an application, contact us on (02) 4429 3214.