Building over an easement and working near assets

Planning to build on your property?

Here's what you need to know

If you're planning to build or undertake works near a Greater Western Water easement or asset, you may need our consent before work begins.

This page explains:

1. When you need to apply
2. What types of works require assessment
3. What information you'll need to provide
4. How to submit your application

1. When you need to apply

You must obtain our consent before commencing works if your proposed works are:

• within an easement
• within 1 metre of a sewer main
• within 1.5 metres of a maintenance hole
• within 600 mm of a sewer branch
• within 1 metre of an inspection shaft.

What is an easement?

An easement is a registered area of land on your property that contains, or provides access to, underground water or sewer infrastructure.

Easements allow Greater Western Water to access these assets for maintenance, repairs, inspections and future upgrades.

You can check whether your property contains an easement by reviewing your property title or plan of subdivision.

What is a Greater Western Water asset?

Greater Western Water’s assets are infrastructure owned or managed by Greater Western Water including:

• water mains
• sewer mains
• sewer branches
• maintenance holes
• inspection shafts

These assets may be located within or outside an easement.

How do I check if I have an easement or asset?

You can:

• check your property title to identify easements
• visit our page on Locating pipes and assets.

2. What types of works require assessment

Examples of works include:

• sheds and carports
• fences and retaining walls
• garden beds, trees and landscaping
• paving, decking and verandahs
• tanks, pools and equipment
• earthworks

For more information on when an application is required, refer to the Customer Guide for Building Near Water Corporation Assets.

3. What information you'll need to provide

At a minimum you will need to provide

• architectural plans including site plans with offset measurements of the proposed build
• engineering plans

You may also be required to provide:

• structural plans when applicable
• footing type and placement when applicable
• copy of Title
• other additional documentation

Important: Plans marked "NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION" cannot be accepted.

4. How to submit your application

Apply through the Property Plus portal and provide your plans and supporting documentation.

When submitting your application:

• select the Build over Easement application type
• upload all required plans and supporting documents (architectural and engineering plans are required)
• pay the applicable application fee. See the GWW Pricing Handbook for pricing details.

What happens next?

Our Build Over Easement team will assess your proposal against Greater Western Water requirements and determine whether consent can be granted and if any conditions apply.

If your application in approved, the approval may be recorded against the property so future owners are aware of the agreement.

Additional Information

Application Timeframes

Current assessment timeframes are available on our Application Times page.

We recommend checking current timeframes before contacting us for an update on your application, as processing times may change.

Works by other authorities

If your works involve other service authorities, or are located in public spaces, visit our Works by other authorities page for more information.

Need help?

Email: buildover@gww.com.au
Phone: 13 44 99