Water and Sewerage Capital Contributions Code
The Water and Sewer Capital Contributions (WSCC) Code supports Canberra’s growth by funding investment in new, or adjusted, class 2 infrastructure.
The cost of this infrastructure is shared between Icon Water and developers through the WSCC charge.
What does ‘Class 2 infrastructure’ mean?
We categorise infrastructure across three asset classes. These categories determine how different types of water and wastewater assets are funded.
Class 1, headworks - large-scale assets that provide services to all Canberrans, such as dams and treatment plants. This infrastructure is funded by Icon Water.
Class 2, shared assets - shared infrastructure that provides our services to one or more areas in the WSCC precinct. The costs for these assets are shared between Icon Water and developers (through the WSCC charge).
Class 3, reticulation - reticulated assets are those required to connect a property to our services. This infrastructure is funded by developers.
When is the WSCC charge applied?
The WSCC charge is only applied to developments that are:
- located in the WSCC precinct
- create a net increase to the equivalent population (EP) by adding a secondary dwelling to a large subdivision.
What is equivalent population (EP)?
Equivalent population (EP) is a standard measurement within the water industry used to represent the demand a development places on our network.
It is based on the average usage of a typical person, and allows different development types (residential, commercial, institutional) to be converted into a consistent demand calculation.
EP factors are calculated using national and local demand information, including network gauging, water meter data, census data, employment figures, and ACT land-use planning information. We review these factors regularly.
How much is the WSCC charge?
The WSCC charge for 2026–27 is $920 per net increase in EP attributable to your development.
You can estimate the WSCC charge for your project using our online calculator.
We review this charge annually. From 2028, the WSCC methodology and charge will be reviewed every five years.
For more information about how the WSCC charge is calculated, and the practical application of the code, visit our WSCC Code guideline.
Where does WSCC sit within the application process?
The WSCC Code intersects with your application several times. The guide below outlines where it is considered during the application process.
Note: The process and timeframes for development and building applications vary based on each project’s potential impact on our infrastructure.
1 | In-principle approval — determining if the code applies When you submit an in-principle application we assess it against the WSCC Code. If the code applies to your development, you will receive a WSCC letter of confirmation alongside your in-principle approval. Information about in-principle approval and timeframes for your development type can be found on our project application and compliance page. We generally assess submissions in the following timeframes*:
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2 | Network protection compliance — development application (DA) or building application (BA) Once you have both:
You can submit your DA or BA. |
3 | Detailed design acceptance — confirm WSCC charge Submit your detailed design and we will reassess against the WSCC Code. Following this, we will issue a confirmation letter for the WSCC charge alongside your design acceptance. The WSCC charge is final, unless changes are made to the development or EP. Information about detailed design acceptance, including timeframes for your development type, can be found on our project application and compliance page. We generally assess submissions in the following timeframes*:
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4 | Construction — request Invoice During construction, you can request a WSCC invoice at any time via wscc@iconwater.com.au. We will send you a WSCC invoice within five business days of receiving your request. |
5 | Connection — pay invoice prior to connection Payment for the WSCC invoice is required at least 10 business days prior to connection. Once paid, we can connect your development to our network. Note: You need to book the connection and pay all invoices from Icon Water, including the invoices for connection and WSCC. |
* Assessment timeframes depend on the complexity and quality of the submission. If you are dissatisfied after the internal review, you have a right of review by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) on (02) 6207 1740 or tribunal@act.gov.au. | |
Frequently asked questions
Why is there a WSCC charge?
The WSCC ensures developers pay for 50 per cent of the shared infrastructure costs needed to accommodate population growth in established suburbs.
We fund the other 50 per cent through customer tariffs.
What is the WSCC precinct?
The WSCC precinct includes all land where a connection to water and wastewater infrastructure exists or is available.
We update the precinct map annually.
Does the date influence my WSCC charge?
Under the Planning Act 2023 (ACT), your WSCC charge is based on the lodgement date of your development approval (or a works approval under the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 (Cth)).
The WSCC charge for 2026–27 is $920 per net increase in equivalent population (EP) attributable to your development. You can estimate your WSCC charge using our online calculator.
We review this charge annually. From 2028, the WSCC methodology and charge will be reviewed every five years.
What happens if I don't submit an in-principle submission or WSCC confirmation letter prior to lodging an application?
If you have lodged an application without in-principle approval and have not received a WSCC confirmation letter, we may decline your application because it is non-compliant.
You will then need to lodge an in-principle submission.
What happens for Mr Fluffy blocks?
We waive capital contribution charges for the first development after a block has been surrendered and placed on the Affected Residential Premises Register — also known as a Mr Fluffy surrendered block.
The waiver only applies to the first development on a surrendered block. There is no waiver for developments on Mr Fluffy blocks that have not been surrendered.
All subsequent developments on a surrendered block are required to pay the WSCC charge for the net increase in EP.
To find out more, visit the ACT Government's Loose Fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication Scheme Buyback Program page.
What is the EP for a secondary dwelling?
For a secondary dwelling not exceeding 120m2 (excluding the garage), the net increase in EP will be capped at a maximum of 2.5.
When can I request a WSCC invoice and when do I need to pay it?
The WSCC invoice can be requested at any time during construction via wscc@iconwater.com.au.
We will issue it within five business days of the request.
It must be paid at least 10 days before we connect your development to the network.
We’re always happy to help
If you have any questions about the WSCC Code or your development, reach out to our Urban Development Services team at wscc@iconwater.com.au.
If you need a bit more assistance, or just prefer talking to a person,
you can call us on (02) 6248 3111 (select option 3).