Building close to our assets

Check what's on your property

Choose one of the following:

Option 1: Get a free utility plan

Use Before You Dig Australia to see the location of underground services on your property.

Option 2: Buy a Hunter Water asset location plan

Purchase a detailed asset location plan if you need more information about our assets on your property.

Found an asset on your plan?

View our photos and descriptions to help identify it and see whether it may affect your project.

Important: If your project is close to or over our pipes or assets, you may need to submit a build over asset application ($183). A build over asset application helps protect our assets and maintain access for future repairs. If you're unsure, submit your plans and we'll let you know.

Get your plans ready

When you submit your application, you need to include a complete set of building plans, including: 

• Site plan: A drawing that shows your entire property from above. It identifies where the building, driveway, fences and other structures are located on the block.
• Floor plan: A top-down view of the inside of the building. It shows the layout of rooms, walls, doors, windows, and fixtures including kitchens and bathrooms.
• Elevation plan: A drawing that shows what the building will look like from the outside. It shows features like windows, doors, the roof, and external finishes. 

File format: PDF or Word, maximum file size: 200 MB

Register or sign in to the Property Self Service Portal to submit your plans. We'll guide you through the application and tell you what information you'll need

Important: If your project is close to or over our pipes or assets, you may need to submit a build over asset application. If you're unsure, submit your plans and we'll let you know. 

Register and submit plans for assessment 

• Plan stamping fee - $28.20
• Build over asset application fee - $183.00

You can track the status of your application at any time in the Property Self Service Portal.

We'll assess your building plans and identify options that protect our assets while supporting your project. Depending on where your project is in relation to our asset, you may need to:

• install footings or piers under or around the asset to protect it
• move the proposed building or structure further away from the asset
• relocate the asset to maintain your current building design.

Note: Where relocation is possible, the cost is generally the responsibility of the property owner. Relocation costs typically start from around $5,000 and are often much higher.

An easement is an area of land that must be kept clear so we can access and maintain our assets. You can usually build up to an easement, but not over it, and conditions may apply. If a water main or sewer rising main crosses your property, it will usually be located within a Hunter Water easement. 

Easements are usually recorded on your property's title and survey plan. Your before you dig or purchased asset location plan will also have this information.

Most driveways can be built above our assets. If excavation is deeper than usual and impacts one of our assets, it may need to be relocated.

Hydrants, stop valves and sewer maintenance structures can often stay in place. Depending on the asset and driveway design, adjustments or additional protection may be required so vehicles can safely drive over them.

Pressure sewer system assets help move wastewater (sewage) from your property to the sewer network. They may include equipment such as a boundary kit, control unit, pipework or other above-ground infrastructure.

These assets need to remain accessible for maintenance and repairs. You can't build over them, and moving them can be difficult and expensive.

Learn more about pressure sewer systems