You require this approval to carry out sewerage work, which covers any activity (e.g. construction, alteration, maintenance, repair) that affects pipes or fittings that connect, directly or indirectly, with a public sewer or a septic tank (or similar effluent disposal system).
There are multiple stages to getting your proposed sewerage work approved, with different authorities responsible for different aspects of the approval process, for instance:
- You have to apply to the relevant local Council for approval to conduct sewerage work (this will often be done as part of a Development Application process).
- If the work will be conducted on infrastructure that will connect to a public sewerage and drainage network operated by Hunter Water or Sydney Water you will also need to get their approval for the proposed work.
- A Notice of Work must be submitted to NSW Fair Trading (or a delegated authority) to provide them with an opportunity to inspect all plumbing and drainage work to ensure that it meets the required standards.
Please note that plumbing and drainage work can only be carried out by individuals that hold the relevant professional licences.
Please consult the relevant authority for more information.
