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South East Water is committed to delivering improved water quality and reliable service to our customers and community through renewing the water main infrastructure across the South East Region.

The Water Renewal Program involves replacing water mains in nature strips and roadways.  This Program aims to ensure:

  • more reliable water supply and improved quality
  • reduced risk of damage to roads and properties in the event that an aging main collapses
  • overall reduce maintenance and repair costs for the water main.

South East Water has a dedicated Community Engagement Team to respond to any queries or concerns. If you have any questions or would like further information please contact the Water Renewals project team:
Phone:      Free call 1800 814 900
Email:       watermainrenewals@sewl.com.au
Feedback: To provide feedback to the Water Renewals Project team, visit us online at http://www.southeastwater.com.au/wrs

These frequently asked questions are provided to keep the community informed on how we’ll to deliver this vital community infrastructure.

Why do we need these works in our street?

The rehabilitation and/or replacement of the water main will:

  • Improve service reliability and water quality
  • Reduce potential property damage if the water main were to fail
  • Reduce maintenance and repair costs

How will I know the about the works in my area?

South East Water will provide notices of their intention to work in an area within six weeks of the work commencing (weather permitting).  If the works are deferred, we will send you another notification of the new proposed start-date for the works.  South East Water will install project signage at the work area approximately three days prior to commencing the works.

What do the works involve?

The new water main will be laid in the nature strip or, if necessary, in the road.  It will not interfere with your property or front garden.  Wherever possible, trenchless construction techniques will be used to minimise disturbance to the community.

Will my water supply be affected?

All works, including service connections, have been carefully planned to minimise any disruptions to your water service.  Your water will remain available throughout construction unless otherwise advised.  We will notify you at least 48 hours in advance of any planned service disruptions.  If you have any water supply requirements other than normal domestic or business use (e.g. health-related needs), please let us know so that we can arrange an alternative water supply.

Do I have to pay for these works?

There is no cost to the property owner for these works.

Will water supply to my property be disrupted?

During the course of these works, we may need to supply your property with water via a temporary service pipe, which will ensure minimal disruption to your water services. The temporary water supply is supplied via a small diameter (usually black) plastic service pipe running along the front of the affected properties in your street. Please do not attempt to modify, disconnect or turn off the temporary pipe work supplying any properties.

Can I drink this temporary water supply?

The water supplied is the same high standard of water quality as your normal service, although you may notice a slight reduction in pressure for this temporary period.

Will my driveway be affected by the works?

In many cases, the temporary pipe will be laid across driveways.  To maintain safe vehicle access, the project team will install crossing ramps designed for normal vehicle use.  Please ask drivers to use these ramps at a slow speed without stopping.  Damage may occur to the temporary pipes if drivers stop and restart on top of the ramp.

When will the temporary supply be removed?

Once the works are complete, your property will be reconnected to the new water main and any disconnected meters will be restored.

How will local businesses be affected?

We are working closely with affected businesses to minimise disruption wherever possible and determine the most suitable time to complete the works.  Businesses with fire services should note that water will not be provided for sprinkler systems during construction if temporary water services are required.

Will my driveway be affected?

At various locations along the water main alignment, the pipe may be laid across property driveways.  In most cases, the construction crew will be able to drill underneath driveways so that customers can access their property at all times.  Where drilling is not possible, we will adopt an open cut excavation method.  In the event where driveway access is impacted, we will notify you well in advance so that alternative access arrangements can be made.

Will you repair any damage?

Immediately after the works are complete, we will apply top soil and seed to grassed areas affected by the works and, where possible, reinstate the area to its original condition. The project team will also repair any impacts to the road, footpath and driveways or arrange for these to be repaired by Council.
We will provide you with further information about temporary and permanent reinstatement works once the water main renewal work is complete.

What nature strip reinstatement will occur?

At the completion of the works we’ll supply soil and seed to grassed areas affected by the works.  Due to the current water restrictions in place that prohibit watering lawns with drinking water, we are unable to provide further watering to the nature strip. 

Please contact our Customer Service Centre on 13 WATER or enquiries@sewl.com.au if you would like to know more about alternative water supplies.

What pavement reinstatement will occur?

We’ll arrange for all paved surfaces impacted during construction to be reinstated, including driveways, footpaths and roads.  You may notice some damaged surfaces will be temporarily sealed with asphalt.  The temporary surface will be maintained until the final reinstatement works are complete to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and vehicles.