The Council controls and maintains records for all water connections to the water supplies under its control. There are set requirements regarding the number and types of connections permitted, as well as the materials and equipment used.
On 1 October 1999, the Rotorua District Council adopted a new policy in respect to applications for new water connections, allowing Approved Contractors to work on Council watermains. These Contractors cannot undertake any work without receiving written approval from Council.
An application form is required for every new or relocated dwelling or building. It is also required where a change of usage is occurring to a property (ie domestic to commercial).
A disconnection form must be lodged whenever a building is removed or demolished, or destroyed by fire. The service must be disconnected prior to any work starting.
New Connection Applications
To obtain a new connection, you will need to complete a Water Connection Application Form. When you return your form, you must pay an Administration fee of $90.00, including GST, to Council. This is not refundable if the application is declined or the connection is not required after it has been approved.
We will endeavour to assess your application within five (5) working days of receipt of the fee, however insufficient information may delay this. You will be advised in writing whether or not your application has been approved. Forms can be collected from Council offices. If you wish a form to be posted then contact Utilities Operations on 348 4199 or e-mail a request here - Application Form
Information Required for a New Connection
Along with the application form, please forward a site plan of your property. If it is a newly subdivided property, then a subdivision plan would be helpful. The plans should clearly show the property boundaries and have the preferred location of the connection marked on it, with a measurement to the nearest boundary peg.
What to do once the Connection is Approved
Once approved, you will receive written notification from Council, advising whether there are any further requirements or restrictions applicable, including the need for a meter, backflow preventor or flow restrictor. You will also be sent a list of the Approved Contractors along with documentation that the Contractor requires. Once this is received you are able to engage, or obtain quotations from, any of the Contractors on the list.
Costs and Timeframes
The cost of the actual connection will depend on what work your chosen Contractor has to do. You will need to arrange payment details with your Contractor and they may require a deposit or payment in advance, prior to starting work.
The Contractor will advise you when they can do the work. If work is required on watermains that are under footpaths or roads, then a Street Opening Permit is required by the Contractor before work can commence. These may take up to fifteen (15) days to be granted, once the Contractor has applied.
Approved Contractors
As at 01 December 2002, there are 4 Approved Contractors permitted to undertake new water connections. Connections are classed depending on the size of the connection and the size and type of watermain involved.
Level 1 Connections - those that can be installed "live"
Castlecorp Ph 345 6889
Goodrick Contracting Ph 345 6342
Lewis Plumbing Company Ph 343 9060
Pool Bros Ltd Ph 347 7833
Level 2 Connections - where a shutdown of the water supply is required
Castlecorp Ph 345 6889
Goodrick Contracting Ph 345 6342
Pool Bros Ltd Ph 347 7833
Level 3 Connections - connections to watermains over 150mm in diameter.
Disconnections
When a water service is no longer required, for example if a house is being demolished, it is a requirement that the water service is disconnected. This work can only be completed by Castlecorp and a Services Disconnection Application must be lodged with Council. There are two types of disconnections permitted:
1) Permanent - where the service is fully removed and disconnected at the watermain. Cost $225.00 plus GST;
2) Temporary - where the service is plugged at the property boundary for future use. Cost $80.00 plus GST.
A temporary disconnection will only be permitted in instances where a Building Consent has been lodged with Council for a new dwelling/building and the service will be reused within 12 months of disconnection. An application form is required when reconnecting to a plugged connection, as there may be other requirements to be met.
The appropriate fee must be paid upon application and a form can be collected from Council or if you would like us to send a form in the post, please contact Utilities Operations on 348 4199 or e-mail a request here - Disconnection Form
  Water Supply Requirements
Central, Eastern and Ngongotaha Supplies:
Domestic (land area 2000 m2 or less) Unmetered
Domestic (land area greater than 2000 m2) Metered with Backflow Preventer
Commercial / Industrial Metered (may also require a Backflow Preventer)
(Note: More than two flats in single ownership is considered commercial. The requirement and type of Backflow Preventer required will be assessed on application)
Rotoiti, Rotoma and Hamurana Supplies:
All connections metered (Requires a Backflow Preventer if land area is greater than 2000 m2)
Mamaku Supply
All connections Metered (Requires a Backflow Preventer if land area is greater than 2000 m2)
(Note: Properties may only connect to the supply if the capital contribution has been fully paid - check with Utilities Operations)
Okareka Supply
All connections Metered (Requires a Backflow Preventer if land area is greater than 2000 m2)
(Note: during the construction of the Water Supply the service pipe was installed to the boundary for most properties. Therefore only a meter and box is required for these properties)
Kaharoa*, Reporoa** and Mihi** Supplies
All connections metered
Farm Supplies – Restricted flow rates and on-site storage necessary. (Backflow Preventer and Flow Restrictor required)
* Some Kaharoa properties may still be required to pay a scheme contribution.
** Reporoa Urban Settlements - Metered (on-site storage is recommended).
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