Building and development hub, including:
Contact
General customer and technical enquiries via Contact us, or phone 13 44 99.
Ask for connections and technical services for building approvals and property development.
On this page:
Guidelines for large urban water users
There are new and emerging industrial and commercial businesses seeking access to large volumes of water in Victoria, such as data centres.
Guidelines have been developed to help proponents clearly understand how to access and connect to water, sewerage and recycled water services, what requirements you need to meet, and the steps involved in working with your local urban water corporation to access the water required.
Urban water corporations work with proponents, such as data centres, to incorporate best-practice water efficient design and supply them with non-potable water, such as recycled water, rather than drinking water, wherever feasible.
Defining large urban water users
For the purpose of the guidelines, large urban water users are defined as industrial and commercial businesses and facilities that use more than 20 ML/yr and are located within urban areas.
Water needs for these users exceed typical commercial consumption and therefore require more detailed servicing assessments, infrastructure planning and regulatory oversight.
Users cover a spectrum of sectors central to Victoria’s economy, from manufacturing, food and beverage processing and advanced industrial operations, to hospitals, laboratories, logistics hubs, commercial precincts and digital infrastructure such as data centres.
Water supply for these industries is an essential input that supports safety, productivity, cooling, sanitation, product quality or business continuity.
Seek early support and advice
Engaging early with your local urban water corporation is the most effective way to ensure a smooth and timely connection process. Early conversations help identify opportunities, avoid delays and ensure the right servicing pathway is selected from the start.
Early engagement is vital
- Helps confirm whether the site is suitable and what water sources are available, for example potable, recycled water, raw water
- Identifies potential infrastructure constraints or upgrades early
- Provides clarity on timelines, technical requirements and approval pathways
- Allows water efficiency measures and non-potable water options to be built into project design
- Reduces the risk of redesigns or unexpected costs later
Urban water corporations will provide
- Guidance on system performance, servicing options and regulatory requirements
- Templates, checklists and technical documents to support a complete and high-quality application
- Advice on demand management, water efficiency and opportunities for non-potable water use
- Ongoing support through a dedicated contact or business partner for large or complex applications
Using these resources early helps proponents progress applications more efficiently and with greater certainty, supporting better outcomes for both the business and the broader water system.
Make a formal request for preliminary servicing advice
Detailed information on the process for engaging with your local urban water corporation can be found below, including contact information and relevant pathways for each urban water corporation.
Locate your water corporation using this interactive map.
Water corporation new connections and development information.
Building and development portal, including PropertyConnect for online connection and development applications:
- Building and development
- Developers (technical standards and process)
Contact
Online enquiry and complaint forms via Contact us or send us an enquiry.
Develop and build applications via the easyACCESS portal for plumbing, connection and land development approvals:
Contact
General and development-related enquiries via the online form or email enquiry@yvw.com.au, or phone 1300 304 688.
Land development process and forms for water and sewer servicing and subdivision:
Contact
Development-related enquiries via development@barwonwater.vic.gov.au.
Central Highlands Water website
Land development information including the land development manual, forms and process for connecting developments:
Contact
For subdivision and development enquiries, contact property services via the Contact us form.
Builders and Developers hub and connection pages, including guidance for new developments and subdivisions:
Contact
See the builders and developers pages on the Coliban Water website for development-related enquiries.
Land development and subdivision forms and process, including plan application forms:
Contact
General and development enquiries via the East Gippsland Water website, or phone 1300 720 700.
Building and development information including Developing land, New Customer Contribution and developer works forms and manuals:
Contact
General and development enquiries via Gippsland Water contact channels, phone 1800 050 500.
Development hub for developers, plumbers and builders, including application guidance for water and sewer connections:
Contact
Development and connection enquiries via Goulburn Valley Water development contacts, phone 1800 454 500, and forms listed on the Development pages.
Developers and land development information is provided through GWMWater development and connection pages, including land development manuals and application guidance for new water and sewer assets.
Contact
New development enquiries via the GWMWater Contact us channels, including phone and online forms, noting that specific development contact details are referenced within their land development documentation.
Building and developing information including land development, new developments and subdivisions, and urban water and sewer connection approvals:
- Building and developing
- Land development
- New developments and subdivisions.
- Urban water and sewer connections.
Contact
Development and connection enquiries via Lower Murray Water contact and Building and developing contact routes, including phone and online forms listed on the Building and developing pages.
Information for developers and plumbers, including property connections and water and sewer connection guidance:
Contact
Property development enquiries via development@newater.com.au. or phone 02 6055 8480. As noted on water tappings and connections application forms.
Building and development information, including land development processes, manuals and forms for connecting new developments and land subdivisions.
Contact
Development enquiries via South Gippsland Water’s contact us channels (phone and online form), as referenced on the website contact page.
Building and development information, including building and renovating guidance, land development applications, and water and sewerage connection information:
Contact
New development enquiries via Wannon Water’s contact and building and development contact points (phone and email) listed on the building and development pages.
Development information outlining processes and requirements for the provision of water, sewerage and recycled water services to new developments, supported by a Land Development Manual and online forms:
Contact
Development enquiries via Westernport Water’s development documentation and general contact us channels (phone and online form), as referenced in the Land Development Manual and permit information.
Information required when requesting preliminary servicing advice
For efficient analysis of your request for advice, complete the urban water corporation high water use data request form and submit it to your local urban water corporation.
Page last updated: 21/05/26