Pressure Sewer Systems

Pressure sewer systems are not common across the city and are generally located in areas where a conventional gravity system is not a viable servicing option such as flat or rocky terrain. Find out how you can apply to have a Pressure Sewer System installed on your property.  

A development that has been identified as requiring a Pressure Sewer System will come to Shoalhaven Water through the Development Application process. Prior to issue of a Construction Certificate the applicant must submit a Pressure Sewer Unit – Service Location Plan to Shoalhaven Water for approval, and this will include any modification or relocation works to a unit. 

Incomplete Service Location Plans will result in approval delays and potential re-submissions.

On receipt and approval of installation request, an invoice for works will be issued. This must be paid prior to works commencing. On receipt of payment, Shoalhaven Water will install the Pressure Sewer Unit and its components as per the final approved Service Location Plan. Any changes to the proposed layout must be resubmitted prior to installation. 

The installation of a Pressure Sewer System can take up to 8 weeks, so planning by customers or developers well ahead is recommended. During installation, Shoalhaven Water reserves the right to alter the position of the pressure sewer pump system and any components if necessary. 

Once installed, the Pressure Sewer Unit and all relating components including the alarm/control panel, pumping unit and discharge pipe, are owned and maintained by Shoalhaven Water. At no times are the Pressure Sewer Units or other componentry to be adjusted, serviced, or relocated by any persons other than Shoalhaven Water operations staff. 

When you are ready to apply, follow this link to our online Pressure Sewer System Installation Request. To avoid processing delays, ensure you provide us accurate information.

Make sure you have:

• Your Council Reference Number (DA/CD/SF) as shown on your Water Development Notice, and
• Your Service Location Plan ready to attach as a jpg or pdf

If you have not received a Water Development Notice, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Compliance before your application for a pressure sewer unit can be processed.

A Service Location Plan will show us the location of your proposed pressure sewer unit including the alarm/control panel, pressure service lines, power supply, meter box and power lines from the meter box to the alarm panel and Pressure Sewer Unit in relation to the Lot and proposed residence.

Your plan must show distances between the control panel and the pump unit, as well as the distance between the pump unit and the boundary kit.

A guide for the location of your Pressure Sewer Unit (PSU) components

The PSU must:

• be located so that the residence and any other building can fully drain by gravity to the unit.
• be located no closer than 5 meters to the residence.
• not be more than 10 meters from the alarm panel.
• be in direct line of site from the alarm/control panel. No obstructions are permitted between the unit and the control panel.

Here is an example of a Service Location Plan

• It can take up to 4 weeks from lodgement to payment advice being issued. 
• Charges include the current market price of the required unit plus any additional costs for site works such as design, difficult terrain (i.e., rocky conditions) or any unexpected work.
• On receipt of payment, 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. 

Shoalhaven Water Responsibility

Owner/builder Responsibility

System installation requirements for electricians:

Control panel mounting location requirements:

• Supply shall be taken to a point 150mm below the mounting location of the control panel and have at least 1 metre of cable left available for connection of panel.
• The bottom of the panel must be 1200mm from ground level.
• The panel must be mounted on wall, permanent structure or a minimum 200x100 galvanised post to a height of 1500 above ground level.
• Panel mounting location is to be no further than 10 metres from the tank.
• Control panel must be accessible for maintenance and repair work to be undertaken by Shoalhaven Water.