Before you buy a standpipe, you must apply for a standpipe permit. We'll send you a list of accredited suppliers if we approve your permit.
When you can use a metered standpipe
You may need to access water through our hydrants when a normal connection isn't available. This may be when you need water:
- to suppress dust
- on a construction or building site
- to cut concrete
- for new landscaping projects or bush regeneration
- to cart water.
You must have an ABN or ACN, and may only use a standpipe for business purposes. You must not use a standpipe for agriculture or as an alternative water supply.
You're responsible for buying and maintaining your standpipe. The Terms and conditions for metered standpipe use on our hydrants (177KB) explain what you need to know before you apply.
When you can draw water
We only allow water to be drawn:
- from a drinking water main
- between 7am and 8pm, Monday to Friday
- between 8am and 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
When using a standpipe is illegal
Using a standpipe illegally is water theft. Fines of $2,200 may apply. This includes using a standpipe when:
- it doesn't have a meter
- the meter isn't working
- you don't have our approval to use it
- it doesn't have a backflow device.
What a metered standpipe costs
It doesn't cost anything to apply for a permit. If we approve your application, you'll pay a quarterly service charge and water use charge for each standpipe.
Each quarter we'll write to you asking for a meter reading from your standpipe. This is to calculate your water usage charge. You're responsible for buying and testing the standpipe. We don't contribute to this cost.
See how much metered standpipes cost at Business pricing.
When your standpipe application is approved
When your application's approved, we'll send you:
- A letter
This authorises you to buy the standpipe and tells you where standpipes are available for purchase. - A permit
This allows you to use the standpipe. Keep a copy with the standpipe, as we audit permits and will ask to see them on-site. - A permitted use sticker
This is only if you cart water. You'll get one sticker for each truck you have.
When you buy a standpipe, your accredited supplier will tell us its meter serial number, generally 4 letters and 4 numbers. This number is unique to your standpipe.