When an applicant wishes to have Council’s reticulated water services extended to their property, firstly, the applicant must obtain written approval from neighbouring properties within 225 metres of the proposed mains extension as these properties become eligible for paying water access charges (water rates) regardless of whether they connect to the town water supply or not, as per Local Government Act 1993 Section 552 and Council Water Supply & Charges Policy(PDF, 149KB) . If any landowners object to this proposed main extension, then the extension cannot go ahead. If all landowners agree then the proposed main extension can be investigated for feasibility.
Council charges include one off charges, such as an investigation fee, contribution fees (explained below), property connection and connection to existing infrastructure charges.
Annual charges will include access, usage and depending on the land usage, backflow prevention device testing.
Please contact Griffith City Council for more information relating to non-residential type connections.
Most water main construction costs are borne by the applicant (and other beneficiaries, if desired). Minimum water main pipe size is 100mm (this is the pipe that your proposed property water service would connect to).
Construction costs can vary greatly according to difficulty, however, as a guide, minimum cost would be approx. $180/metre, (excluding rock, limited space, road/rail crossings, relocation of existing services etc.). The applicant must appoint an experienced contractor for this work.
Contribution Fees
Water & Wastewater Development Contribution Charge Section 64 Local Government Act – to contribute to the required water infrastructure a contribution fee is required to be paid for an increase in demand on that infrastructure.
Typical costs associated with this connection are based on the 2025/26 Financial Year
| Investigation Fee |
$636.00 |
|
| Flowrate Fee |
$318.00 |
|
| Council cut ins to the existing water main |
$6,335.00 |
approx. (100mm water main) |
| Labourer/Plant Operator |
$110.00 |
(per person/hour) |
| Ozonation of Water Mains ( /metre length of main) |
$2.06/metre |
(minimum $350) |
| Inspection of Water Mains (once completed) |
$360.00 |
|
| Water Meter Application Fee (20mm) |
$1,327.00 |
(one off fee/property 20mm) |
| Backflow Prevention Device Rental 20mm D/C |
$54.00/annum |
|
| Backflow Prevention Device Test Fee |
$165/annum (high) |
$75/annum (med) |
| S64 Development Service Charge |
$9,477.00 |
(one off fee/property) |
| Consumption of Potable Water Fee (on going fee) |
$0.87 first 200kL |
$1.86 thereafter |
| Water Meter Access charges (on going fee) |
$156/annum |
(ongoing rates) |
| Contractor Main Extension Costs |
$Quote to be obtained |
|
Amount includes GST (if applicable)
If approved, the absolute minimum charge to investigate, make a connection to the existing network, disinfect, inspect and acceptance test, not including any actual water main construction or materials, is approx. $19,300.00 (inc. GST). Please Note: This amount is an estimate only for information purposes and fees are subject to change.
For current costs go to Council’s
Revenue Policy
Council requires a drawing showing clearly where the water meter is to be installed and the Development Application or Complying Development Certificate number (if applicable).
What is to be submitted when applying for an Extension of a Water Main
- Section 68 Water Main Extension Application through the NSW Planning Portal
- Drawing of the Water Main Extension
- If related to a Development Application or Complying Development Certificate application, the Application Number of that document