Temporary water connection

What is a temporary water connection?

A temporary water connection represents short-term access to water services at a site where a permanent connection is not yet necessary or feasible. It ensures a reliable water supply for projects with set timelines, allowing operations to proceed smoothly without the need for long-term infrastructure commitments. Ideal for activities requiring a flexible, short-term solution, a temporary water supply meets immediate needs without the obligation of a permanent connection.

It is typically used for construction projects, where it supports site operations with water for drinking, washing, and equipment use, as well as providing water for on-site activities such as concrete mixing, dust suppression, and employee welfare facilities. It is also used for events and festivals, ensuring seamless water access for catering, sanitation, attendee comfort, as well as supplying water for fairs, sporting events, or temporary campsites. In emergency situations, it addresses unplanned needs such as supply disruptions or urgent maintenance work. Additionally, temporary water connections are used for testing and commissioning, providing a water source for testing pipelines or other infrastructure before permanent connections are established.

Applying for a temporary water connection follows the same process as applying for a standard new connection for a property. A short-term building supply refers to a new water connection used during your project that will later be converted into a permanent water supply. In contrast, a temporary building supply is a new water connection used during your project, or for a period of up to 12 months, but not converted into a permanent supply. This connection will be disconnected once the project is completed.

3. Installation and inspection. A typical way of obtaining a new water supply is by connecting a service pipe from the existing water main to your site. In most areas, this typically involves connecting to a nearby water main, while in some locations, a longer service pipe may be required to reach your site. It is the client’s responsibility to lay down the new service pipes to the site boundary or a reasonable distance from the nearest main. If a licenced contractor completes these installations, they may self-certify the work, eliminating the need for wholesaler inspection. Otherwise, random wholesaler inspections will ensure that standards are met. Once wholesalers confirm that the installation meets the requirements, a connection date is confirmed. Temporary sewage connections are less common than temporary water connections, and availability can vary depending on regional infrastructure and policies. If there is a temporary need to remove sewage or groundwater from a development site, this must be addressed through an application process or by obtaining consent to discharge into the public sewer. In that case, we can provide you the relevant application form to complete and submit on your behalf (check the page Temporary trade effluent consents).

4. Connection, testing and completion. On the scheduled date, the installation team will arrive to lay new pipework and connect it to your system. The wholesaler’s team will handle excavation, install pipes and meters, conduct reinstatement and testing. The wholesaler will notify the market operator as outlined in the market terms. Your account will be set up, and your retailer will bill you for water usage. Any updates regarding ownership or payment responsibility for water charges should be communicated directly to your retailer. We provide full support by overseeing the installation of your temporary connection and continuously monitoring its performance throughout the project, promptly resolving any issues to ensure seamless and uninterrupted service.

5. Disconnection or conversion to a permanent supply. Once the development has been completed, the temporary water supply can either be disconnected if no longer required or converted into a permanent water supply for the property. If you need a temporary water supply disconnected or converted, the first step is to contact your water retailer. It’s essential to communicate your plans early to ensure a seamless transition or closure of the service. This is the client’s responsibility as the account holder. Typically, the water supply will be disconnected if no longer required or used to supply the property once constructed.