You will require this approval if you intend undertake one of the following activities:
- Connect (directly or indirectly) to a stormwater drainage network operated by the local Council, the Sydney Water corporation or the Hunter Water corporation; or
- Any stormwater drainage work.
Stormwater is rain once it has reached the ground. It is characterised by ground level surface water and roof water runoff.
Stormwater drainage work includes any activity (e.g. construction, alteration, maintenance, repair, etc.) that affects any drain or channel that, directly or indirectly, will connect with a public stormwater channel or drain.
There are multiple stages to getting your proposed stormwater drainage 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 stormwater drainage work (this will often be done as part of a Development Application process); and
- If the work will be conducted on infrastructure that will connect to a stormwater drainage network operated by the Hunter Water or Sydney Water corporations you will also need to get their approval for the proposed work.
Please note that plumbing and drainage work can only be carried out in NSW by individuals that hold the relevant professional licences.
Please consult the Contact Officer for more information.