Plumbing Temporary Services Connection Safe Work Method Statement

Temporary construction water connections require formal approval from the water authority (typically local city council water department or regional water corporation) before connection work can commence. Application process involves submitting temporary water connection application form providing site address, estimated water consumption, proposed connection method, duration of temporary supply, and licensed plumber details who will perform connection work. Water authorities charge application fees and security deposits refundable on disconnection. Technical requirements include specifying backflow prevention device type appropriate to hazard classification, metering arrangements (typically authority-supplied meter installed at connection), connection method (saddle tapping for live mains or tee connection for dead mains), and sometimes connection drawings showing connection detail. Processing time typically ranges 5-10 working days requiring early application. Some authorities require pre-connection inspection by authority representative verifying work complies with specifications before final approval. Only licensed plumbers holding appropriate plumbing license and sometimes specific water authority connection authorization can perform connection work. Unauthorized connections without proper approval constitute illegal connections resulting in disconnection, requirement to remove connection at contractor expense, fines from water authority, and potential prosecution. Even in emergency situations requiring immediate water supply, proper authorization must be obtained - contact authority emergency contacts explaining urgent need. After connection is installed, authority typically requires notification that work is complete, inspection of installed connection and backflow device, and submission of backflow device test certification from licensed tester. Maintain compliance throughout temporary supply period including prompt payment of water consumption charges, maintaining backflow device operability with annual testing, and notification of any changes to connection arrangements. At project completion, disconnection also requires authority notification and approval following authority disconnection procedures, typically involving final meter reading, settlement of outstanding charges, return of authority-supplied equipment, and capping of connection to authority specifications. Document all authority interactions including approvals, inspections, correspondence, and final disconnection confirmation protecting against future disputes regarding authorization or billing.

Backflow device selection depends on hazard classification of water use determined according to AS/NZS 3500.1 Plumbing and Drainage standard which categorizes contamination risks as low, medium, or high hazard. Low-hazard situations involve minimal contamination risk such as connection to garden irrigation using potable water only with no chemical injection - these may use simple atmospheric vacuum breakers or dual check valves. Medium-hazard situations involve substances that could cause health concerns if they contaminate water supply including connection to equipment where hoses may contact contaminated water, potential for chemicals to be introduced, or uses where backflow could introduce taste/odor issues - these require testable double check valve assemblies providing verifiable protection through annual testing. High-hazard situations involve toxic substances, sewage, or severe health risks including connections where hoses may be submerged in chemical solutions, equipment using toxic additives, connection to sewer or contaminated drainage, or potential contact with sewage - these require Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) devices providing maximum protection through intermediate pressure chamber that automatically dumps water if backflow pressure develops. For construction sites, typical uses and classifications include: concrete mixing using hoses that may contact wet concrete (medium hazard requiring double check valve), dust suppression with chemical additives for erosion control (high hazard requiring RPZ device), general site wash-down with hoses that may be laid in puddles or muddy areas (medium hazard), equipment washing where fuel or oil contamination possible (high hazard requiring RPZ), temporary amenities connection involving sewage risk (high hazard requiring RPZ). Conservative approach is to install RPZ device at main connection point protecting entire temporary supply, then additional medium-hazard devices at specific use points providing defense-in-depth. Testable devices require annual testing by licensed backflow tester holding backflow testing license, with test certification documenting device operates correctly and provides specified protection level. Testing involves connecting specialized test equipment measuring pressure differentials across device check valves verifying they operate at correct pressures. Never install non-testable devices such as simple vacuum breakers for construction use as contamination risk is too high and device functionality cannot be verified. Water authorities may specify minimum device types for temporary connections regardless of use classification - check authority requirements. Brief site workers on backflow prevention importance prohibiting bypass of devices, removal of devices, and practices that create contamination risk such as submerging hoses in tanks or connecting hoses to chemical equipment without additional backflow protection. Document device selection rationale, installation by licensed plumber, testing certifications, and maintenance throughout construction demonstrating compliance.

Discharge of construction site water to stormwater systems or natural waterways is regulated under environmental protection legislation requiring treatment to remove sediment and contaminants before discharge is permitted. Primary regulatory requirements come from Environmental Protection Acts at state level and local government stormwater management policies. For sediment control, water discharged must meet water quality standards typically requiring total suspended solids less than 50mg/L (milligrams per litre), pH in neutral range 6.5-8.5 (not alkaline from concrete contamination), no visible oil or chemical contamination, and absence of litter or debris. Achieving these standards requires implementing erosion and sediment control measures per best practice guidelines such as IECA (International Erosion Control Association) Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control. Minimum controls include perimeter sediment fences preventing sediment leaving site, sediment basin providing settling area sized for site area and rainfall intensity, inlet protection on existing stormwater drains using rock filters or filter socks, vehicle wash-down area preventing mud tracking to streets, and progressive site stabilization reducing sediment generation. For concrete-contaminated water including truck chute washdown and equipment cleaning, dedicated concrete washout area is required using bunded area with aggregate base preventing discharge to stormwater - cement solids settle in washout area and can be removed once hardened. Never discharge concrete wash water directly to stormwater as alkaline pH harms aquatic life. For sites requiring dewatering of excavations, pump water to sediment basin allowing settlement before discharge rather than direct pumping to stormwater. Monitor discharge water quality before release checking clarity, pH using simple test strips or meter, and absence of visible contamination. In some jurisdictions or for large sites, formal discharge licenses or permits may be required from environmental protection authority specifying discharge limits, monitoring requirements, and reporting obligations. Contact relevant authority (typically EPA or council environmental officer) clarifying requirements. Implement wet weather procedures before forecast rain including checking sediment controls are functional, enhancing controls if heavy rain expected, ceasing earthworks during heavy rain, and covering or stabilizing exposed areas. Document sediment control implementation and maintenance with inspection records, water quality test results, and photographic evidence demonstrating compliance. For discharge to sensitive receiving waters such as creeks, rivers, or coastal areas, additional treatment or complete prohibition of discharge may apply requiring water to be tankered off-site or fully contained on-site until evaporation. Penalties for environmental harm from inadequate sediment control are substantial including infringement notices typically $5,000-$15,000 for individuals and $30,000-$75,000 for companies, prosecution for serious environmental harm with fines exceeding $100,000, and remediation orders requiring cleanup of contaminated waterways at contractor expense potentially costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Prevention through proper sediment control implementation and maintenance is far more cost-effective than dealing with environmental incidents.

Frost protection for temporary water services during winter prevents freeze damage ensuring supply continuity throughout cold weather and avoiding burst pipe failures causing flooding and service disruption. Freezing occurs when water temperature drops below 0°C causing ice formation - water expands approximately 9% when freezing creating pressure that splits pipes, cracks fittings, and damages valves and meters. Prevention requires multiple complementary controls. Burial below frost line provides most reliable protection - frost penetration depth varies by location typically 150-300mm in temperate coastal areas, 300-600mm in cold inland areas, to 900mm or more in alpine regions - consult local building standards or council for frost line depth in specific area. Bury temporary water pipes below this depth providing protection from ground freezing. For pipes that must run above ground including connections at tap-off points, meters, backflow devices, and above-ground distribution sections, install insulation using closed-cell foam pipe insulation minimum 19mm thick, secured with UV-resistant tape. For critical above-ground components including meters and backflow devices, construct insulated enclosures using timber or plastic boxes lined with foam insulation creating protective housing. Heat trace cables provide active frost protection wrapping around pipes and powered by electricity to maintain temperature above freezing - particularly useful for meters and taps where freezing consequences are severe. Install drain points at low locations in pipework allowing complete drainage during extended non-use periods - water that is drained cannot freeze. Implement drainage procedures on Friday afternoons for weekend non-use or when freezing conditions forecast, opening drain cocks and taps allowing pipes to drain fully. Maintain minimum flow through pipes during extreme cold periods as flowing water resists freezing - even small flow (trickling tap) prevents freezing better than stagnant water. Monitor weather forecasts during winter identifying forecast overnight temperatures below 0°C and implementing preventive measures including enhancing insulation, confirming drainage points function, and verifying heat trace is operational. Conduct morning inspections after freezing nights checking for ice formation, pipe damage, or frozen taps requiring thawing. If pipes freeze, thaw slowly using warm (not boiling) water poured over frozen section or heat tape - never use open flame as this can damage pipes and create fire hazard. After thawing, inspect for damage as freeze-thaw cycles can crack pipes without immediate failure. For severe winter climates where freezing is prolonged, consider alternative water supply methods including insulated above-ground water tanks filled periodically, bore water supply if available, or water delivery to insulated storage rather than reticulated temporary mains. Document frost protection measures implemented and inspection records throughout winter demonstrating due diligence. Remember that meter and backflow device damage from freezing may result in charges for equipment replacement under hire agreements with water authority - protecting equipment is both safety and financial imperative.

Comprehensive documentation for temporary services demonstrates regulatory compliance, supports billing reconciliation, and provides reference for future projects or disputes. Essential documentation includes water authority correspondence and approvals beginning with temporary connection application submission, authority approval documentation specifying terms and conditions of temporary supply, fee and deposit payment receipts, and connection authorization confirming licensed plumber approved to perform connection work. Backflow prevention documentation is critical including backflow device specifications showing device type (RPZ, double check valve), manufacturer and model, installation location and orientation, initial commissioning test certification from licensed backflow tester certifying device provides required protection including tester details, test date, device serial number, and test results showing all components operate within specifications, and annual test certifications for ongoing compliance. Water consumption records include meter readings taken at regular intervals (typically monthly) documenting consumption for budget tracking, final meter reading at disconnection for billing reconciliation, and water consumption invoices from authority showing charges and consumption patterns. Service location and excavation documentation should include Dial Before You Dig enquiry reference numbers and response documentation from all asset owners, underground service plans received from asset owners, photographs of located and marked services before excavation, photographic records of excavation work showing clearances to existing services maintained, and completion photos showing backfilled excavations and restored surfaces. Installation documentation comprises as-constructed drawings showing actual temporary service routing (not just planned routes as field conditions may require variations), valve and tap-off point locations marked on site plan, connection details including depth, materials, and protection methods, and inspection records from water authority representatives if inspections occurred. Environmental compliance documentation for drainage includes sediment and erosion control plan showing proposed control measures, sediment control implementation photos demonstrating measures installed as planned, water quality monitoring records if discharge monitoring conducted, maintenance records showing sediment removal from basins and replacement of filter fabrics, and discharge approval documentation if formal discharge license was required. Incident and maintenance records document any service strikes or near-misses during excavation work, pipe damage from traffic or frost requiring repair, water quality incidents or backflow device failures, and corrective actions implemented. Disconnection documentation includes disconnection notification to water authority, final meter reading and consumption statement, photographic records of capped connections and restored areas, return of authority-owned equipment (meters, backflow devices if supplied by authority), final invoice and payment confirmation, and authority confirmation that account is settled and no ongoing charges apply. Organize documentation in project file or digital repository ensuring easy retrieval for queries, audits, or future reference. Provide relevant documentation to client at project completion including connection locations, final water consumption costs, backflow test certifications, and any authority correspondence. Retention period for temporary services documentation should align with project documentation retention policies typically minimum 7 years accounting for potential disputes, warranty claims, or future site work requiring information about previous services. Well-organized documentation protects against billing disputes with water authorities, provides evidence of environmental compliance if regulatory queries arise, demonstrates due diligence for safety and regulatory obligations, and supports efficient establishment of temporary services on future projects by providing reference for procedures, approvals timeframes, and authority requirements.