Water and sewer assets explained

Hunter Water assets

Water and sewer mains

Water and sewer mains are underground pipes that carry water to, and wastewater away, from homes and businesses.

• You may be able to build over or close a sewer main if certain conditions are met.
• You may be able to build close to a water main or sewer rising main if certain conditions are met.

Easements

An easement is an area of land that must be kept clear so we can access and maintain our assets. If a water main or sewer rising main crosses your property, it will usually be located within a Hunter Water easement. 

• You may be able to build close to one if certain conditions are met.

Easements are usually recorded on your property's title and survey plan. 

Maintenance structure (manhole)

A maintenance structure gives access to our sewer pipes and sits directly above the sewer main. 

• You may be able to build close to one if certain conditions are met.
• Needs to be accessible for maintenance.

Sewer junction

A sewer junction provides the connection point where your property's sewer pipes connect to Hunter Water's sewer network. It’s underground so you can’t see it, you will only see your sewer inspection shaft. A sewer junction is usually located within one metre of your sewer inspection shaft.

If it's located where you plan to build, the sewer junction and point of connection needs be moved so it's accessible for maintenance.

Sewer vent stack

A sewer vent stack allows air to safely enter and escape from the sewer system. 

• You can't demolish one.
• If it's on your property and needs to be moved it must remain within your property.
• You may be able to build close to it if certain conditions are met.

Assets you own

Inspection shaft or opening

The sewer inspection shaft provides access to your property's sewer drain for inspection, maintenance and clearing blockages. The sewer junction (owned by Hunter Water) is usually located underground nearby.

The sewer point of connection is where your property's sewer drain connects to Hunter Water's sewer network. This connection is made through the sewer junction.

• You can't build over a sewer inspection shaft, the sewer point of connection or sewer junction.
• If they're located where you plan to build, they will need to be moved so they remain accessible. 

Overflow relief gullies

An overflow relief gully is designed to give sewage somewhere safe to overflow if the sewer line becomes blocked. 

• There are no requirements from Hunter Water for this asset.
• If you want to build over, move or modify it, contact a licensed plumber.

House drainage sewer vent

House drainage sewer vents allow air to safely enter and escape from your house drainage system.

• There are no requirements from Hunter Water for this asset.
• If you want to build over, move or modify it, contact a licensed plumber.

Help and advice 

Get in touch with our team: 

• call us on 1300 657 657 (Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm)
• use Live Chat during business hours
• send us an email