Applying to connect to a council service

If you wish to connect to the reticulation network you will need to complete the following forms and return them to the Assets Administration Officer at Council, vanessa.hooykaas@codc.govt.nz 

• Application for permission to connect to a council service
• Road opening notice

If you wish to know who Council's approved contractors for water, sewer and storm water connections are, please see the following schedule:

• List of approved contractors

Frequently Asked Questions

Stormwater is surface water, usually rain water off roofs and paved areas.  It usually contains few, if any, contaminants.  Stormwater must not be drained into sewers.

Where does stormwater go?

Nearly all stormwater goes directly to lakes, streams, rivers or groundwater.  Any contaminant put in a stormwater system causes pollution.

Keeping stormwater clean

Oils, fuels, cement wash water and antifreeze should never be put down stormwater systems.

Tree leaves and litter should be collected before they wash down stormwater grates.

Where can my stormwater go?

Central Otago is a little different to many areas.  There are often three options for stormwater disposal.  These are:

• piping to Council’s in-street stormwater pipe system directly, where available
• piping to kerbs (only allowed where no pipe system exists and with special approval)
• through on-site soak pits where the ground is sandy or gravelly (preferred option)

Soak Pits

Soak pits work well only where the subsoil is sandy or gravelly.

Soak pits should be more than 3 metres away from buildings.

Soak pits need reconstructing if they become blocked

Stopping leaves getting into soak pits extends their life considerably.

Septic tanks

Septic tanks are not cleaned or operated by Council.

Septic tanks need emptying out every few years.  The sludge removed from septic tanks can be taken by a contractor to Council’s wastewater treatment plants.  Charges apply for disposing of sludge to Council’s facilities.

The drainage fields from septic tanks often require periodic maintenance. New drainage fields should have an operation and maintenance manual supplied by the installer.

Finding More Information

Some councils have websites contained very detailed information and you may find them useful, but please remember that not all places have the same bylaws and regulations.  Two such websites are www.ccc.govt.nz  www.dcc.govt.nz