Residential Meter Connections & Alterations

Within the Shoalhaven, new dwellings and dual occupancy properties located within range of our water reticulation system are entitled to a 20mm service connection, and this generally includes a garden tap installed adjacent to the meter.  If you choose to install your meter in a pit, a garden tap will not be included.

Shoalhaven Water is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the water meter. Once a meter is installed at a 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 on a property, the property owner will then receive water usage charges on their Water Account in addition to any service availability charges. 

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

For information on industrial, commercial, or medium density development connections, visit our Commercial Connections & Manifolds page.

Building works or renovations can sometimes leave your meter in a not so convenient position and it may need an adjustment to the location. For a set fee, we provide the following meter alteration options:

• Raise, lower or relocate the meter  
• Lower the meter into a pit – we offer the choice of plastic or metal lids (depending on traffic flow). 

When you apply to relocate your meter, you must provide your existing meter number plus measurements (mm) of relocation distance. Once the meter is relocated, you will need to engage a plumber to reconnect your water pipes.

Refer to our Meter Installation - Fees and Charges for relocation fees. 

When it comes to dual occupancy developments or the addition of a granny flat, we provide the following two metering options: 2 x 20mm service connections, or a single 25mm connection.

To assist you to financially plan, follow this link to our Dual Occupancy Meter Comparison Guide.

If a long service is required, the first meter installation is on us, we complete the underbore & conduit. For an additional metered service, the applicant must submit a design plan showing the proposed location of the long conduit including the type, length, and depth. When Shoalhaven Water approves this and your DA conditions have been met, you can then apply for an additional water meter connection. 

Your DA Notice will indicate the cost for the installation of both the first and additional metered services applicable to the current financial year.

When using our online form, you are required to:

• Upload a Service Location Plan to your application showing us exactly where you would like the water meter/s installed, this can be attached as a jpg or pdf; and
• Visit the Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) website to identify which side of the street the water main is located and whether a conduit from the main has already been installed. Further fees will apply to relocate the conduit for a new service connection. 

• It can take up to a week from lodgement to payment advice being issued
• 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.

• 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. 

• Shoalhaven Water will only undertake work up to the meter. Connection and maintenance of 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.