New driveways encroaching on water main cover
Last Post 6/03/2025 3:04:10 PM by lorenzo.sposito@midcoast.nsw.gov.au. 1 reply.
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New driveways encroaching on water main cover
06-03-2025 03:04 PM
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by lorenzo.sposito@midcoast.nsw.gov.au
Joined 25-11-2024 02:57 PM
Posts 6
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Midcoast have identified that the modern driveway requirements seem to require more cut to the natural ground surface. Additionally, the older water mains seem to be laid shallower than what the current WSA codes specify, or in an older more brittle material such as series 1 PVC or AC. As we are a LWU within a council, landowners apply to a different part of council seeking approval to construct a new driveway without much consideration for the water main below the proposed pavement.
Sometimes when the contractors cut back the natural ground level to form the driveway they find that the water pipe is exposed, othertimes we have located the service to find only 100-200mm of cover to the pipe. This has led to instances where we lower the main to be consistent with the WSAA codes, sometimes at an unexpected cost to the landowner.
I would like to hear from other councils of LWUs regarding the following:
- what do you consider adequate cover for an existing main under a new driveway?
- how do you identify and
plan for alterations to water or sewer mains under new driveways?
- do you place the cost of main renewal or lowering on the landowner?
any information is welcomed.
Lorenzo
MCC
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