Our water supply and wastewater standards
We require all consultants employed to deliver professional engineering services for Icon Water assets (for example, water and sewer design) to be registered engineers.
To support this requirement, in accordance with the ACT’s Professional Engineers Registration Scheme, and ensure registration details are recorded, our design title block templates have been updated.
These updated templates now include the registered professional engineer's name, registration number and a dedicated location for them to sign off on each design revision. Consultants shall utilise these updated templates for all applicable projects.
Under the Professional Engineers Act 2023, all professional engineering services in the ACT must be carried out by registered engineers. Since the preparation of water and wastewater infrastructure designs and design drawings falls under professional engineering services, a registered professional engineer must be involved in accordance with the act. Our standard drawings are not considered a prescribed standard, so we have updated our design drawing title block templates to reflect this requirement.
Engineering designs must now display the name and registration number of the responsible registered professional engineer. A registered professional engineer must sign off on each design revision, ensuring compliance with the new regulations in the ACT. These changes are in line with the ACT Government's efforts to ensure that professional engineering services are delivered by qualified individuals, thereby enhancing public safety and confidence in engineering standards.
Design projects which are already using, or plan to be using, our drawing template for submissions after 17 March 2025 will be expected to adopt the new template, and include the professional registered engineer's name on the drawings.
Our new design title block template can be provided on request by the project manager/officer you are liaising with, or via talktous@iconwater.com.au.
** Updated 2025 **
Documents listed below are currently in draft for comments (open for comments period approx. 2 weeks):
- (March 2025) Air Valve Standard Drawings
- (May 2025) The updated STD-SPE-C-004 Survey and Tolerancing Requirements introduces the adoption of GDA2020. Icon Water’s GIS system, drawings and standards have been updated to align with GDA2020 coordinates, replacing references to the previous Stromlo datum. This ensures consistency with the ACT Government's spatial data framework, improving accuracy by better aligning Icon Water’s mapping with actual physical locations of assets. As part of this update, there has been a data freeze period during which GIS and imaps remain accessible but are not updated, allowing technical changes and testing to be implemented effectively. Please provide your comments by 26 May, after which the commenting period will close.
All comments related to documents in draft should be directed to Icon Water Technical Authority via:
Icon Water has agreed with ACTF&R to add the design fire flow provisions for developments in bushfire-prone areas, as defined by ACTF&R. These changes will be included in the upcoming revised STD-SPE-G012 and Table IW.2 of the Icon water supplement to WSA 03-2011-3.2. In the interim, the changes to “Fire Risk Types and Firefighting Provision” table is as follows:
FRT | New Categories | Flow (L/s) |
FRT1.5 | FRT assessed development in a bushfire prone area (as defined by ACTF&R) | 32 |
Developments in and adjacent to bushfire-prone areas may be rated as FRT1.5 following ACTF&R assessment. If a higher assessment is made for a development, it will supersede the FRT1.5 assessment. The minimum available fire flow for FRT1.5 must be provided by four consecutive hydrants on the bushfire-prone side of the development (with each hydrant delivering more than 8L/s). One of these hydrants must be the closest to the development. The minimum pipe size required for FRT1.5 is DN100 DICL PN35 (equivalent to DN125 PE100 PN16 SDR11).
- ** Updated 2024 ** NARROW TERRACE BLOCK: New drawing for Water and Sewerage services for narrow terrace blocks (Block with maximum width of 7.5m) has been published and is now available in the set of Icon Water Drawings.
- Starting August 2023, Icon Water requires 100% CCTV inspections for all newly constructed sewer mains, in addition to adhering to other requirements outlined in section 21 of the supplement to the gravity sewer code. It's essential to recognise that any failure to provide complete and accurate CCTV information and reports (based on the WSA 05 requirements) for newly constructed assets will lead to delays in both the project completion and the acceptance of the asset.
STD-SPE-G-011 Supplement to WSA 02-2014-3.2 – Gravity Sewerage Code of Australia
STD-SPE-G-012 Supplement to WSA 03-2011-3.2 – Water Supply Code of Australia
Deviation from Standards
Deviation from Standards - Checklist and form
- Developers (and their nominated agents such as consulting engineers and constructors) are required to comply with the requirements of Icon Water’s new Asset Creation and Acceptance Process document. This document describes the process for interacting with Icon Water depending upon the nature of the development proposed. This document in-conjunction with the Water and Sewerage Service and Installation Rules provides overarching compliance details which describes design and construction requirements (as well as network protection requirements) associated with Icon Water assets. These documents can be downloaded below and the accompanying forms can be downloaded under the “Forms” dropdown menu at the bottom of this webpage.
STD-SPE-G-019 Asset Creation and Acceptance Process
Water and Sewerage Service and Installation Rules
- Plumbers and drainers whose scope of works is limited to the installation of water meters and consumer premises plumbing from the property connection (aka “tie”) point do not need to purchase WSAA codes or refer to the Icon Water WSA 02 and WSA 03 supplements. Instead, we have published a small specification for this purposes and this is available for download via the web-link below:
STD-SPE-M-006 Requirements for Property Service Connections and Water Meters
Approved Product List for Sub-metering Arrangement
Standard Drawings – Unit Metering – Unit Title Developments
- A set of standard drawings (aka “the SD Series”) as well as additional specifications compliment the documents listed above. Compliance with these drawings and specifications is also a mandatory requirement when designing and constructing water supply and sewerage assets for Icon Water. These drawings and specifications can be downloaded via the dropdown menus at the bottom of this webpage.
As part of the asset creation and acceptance process (Ref: STD-SPE-G-019 Developer Provided Assets – Water Supply and Sewerage – Asset Creation and Acceptance Process) various forms are required to be submitted by developers (or their authorised agent) for different projects (e.g. Minor Works, Major Works) and at different stages of a project. The forms can be downloaded using the web-links below. Note: As at 2 July 2018, the forms with “ACAP” in their title have replaced Icon Water’s previous “WSSS” forms. The Bill of Quantities forms remain unchanged.
- Updated ACAP: Advice on Commencement of Hydraulic Works Rev 03
- Updated ACAP: Application for Provisional Certificate of Operation Rev 06
- Updated ACAP: Design Form Pack Major Works Rev 06
- Updated ACAP: Design Form Pack Minor Works Rev 06
- Bill of Quantities Online Form (The Consulting Company is required to submit this BOQ form as it requires the information in the work as executed.)
As part of the asset creation and acceptance process (Ref: STD-SPE-G-019 Developer Provided Assets – Water Supply and Sewerage – Asset Creation and Acceptance Process) developers (or their authorised agent) are required to comply with WSA 02 Gravity Sewerage Code of Australia and WSA 03 Water Supply Code of Australia as amended by Icon Water in supplements STD-SPE-G-011 and 012 respectively. In addition to these codes and supplements, the specifications listed below are also required to be complied with as well as any another project specific documentation issued by Icon Water. Additional specifications (not shown here) also exist for projects deemed to be “Major Works – Complex” or for projects executed directly for Icon Water by parties who have a contract with Icon Water. Such specifications will be issued prior to design commencement, or at the time of tendering or the award of contract as applicable.
The Water Supply and Sewerage Standards (WSSS) are now based on WSAA codes: WSA-02 Gravity Sewerage Code of Australia, WSA-03 Water Supply Code of Australia, and WSA-04 Sewage Pumping Station Code of Australia. The Icon Water Supplements to WSA-02 and WSA-03 are available for download via the web-links below and these supplements take precedence over the individual codes. Icon Water’s supplement to WSA-04 will be made available to the relevant parties (e.g. designers and constructors) who are providing sewage pumping stations for Icon Water when the need arises. Even though we have published supplements, designers and constructors will still need to be familiar with each individual code and these can be purchased directly from the WSAA website online store
- STD-SPE-C-001 Technical Specification – Civil and Structural Works
- STD-SPE-C-004 Technical Specification – Survey and Tolerancing Requirements
- STD-SPE-G-005 Supplement to WSA 201 – Manual for the Selection and Application of Protective Coatings
- STD-SPE-G-008 Design Guidelines for Safe Access, Egress and Working at Heights
- STD-SPE-G-009 Supplement to AS 1657 Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders
- STD-SPE-G-018 Drafting Standard
- STD-SPE-M-002 Technical Specification - Piping and Valves
- STD-SPE-M-003 Technical Specification – Hydraulically Operated Automatic Water Control (Globe) Valves
- STD-SPE-E-008 Network Metallic Pipeline Electrical Hazard Design Requirements
The complete set of 'SD Series' drawings can be downloaded via the links below. Developers, and their authorised agents are required to comply with the new “SD Series” of drawings as part of the asset creation and acceptance process (Ref: STD-SPE-G-019 Developer Provided Assets – Water Supply and Sewerage – Asset Creation and Acceptance Process). Designers and Constructors executing projects via a contract with Icon Water are also required to comply with these drawings as well as any others issued as part of the project specific documentation package.
The intent of our 'SD Series' drawings is to cover typical scenarios and align with common industry practices. However, engineering judgement is required to determine whether the details shown in the drawings will suit your project's specific needs and conditions. For this reason, the 'SD series' drawings are not considered prescribed standards and requires involvement and sign off(s) from the relevant registered professional engineer to comply with the Professional Engineers Act.
Designers should note the difference between drawings with a “-C” suffix versus a “-D” suffix, as well as noting the check marks in the drawing title block (“Asset Area Applicability”):
- “-C” means that the drawing shows minimum mandatory requirements that must be complied with. However, a designer cannot reference a “-C” drawing in an “Issued For Tender” or “Issued For Construction” set. The Designer must only use a “-C” drawing to produce a drawing (or drawings) that are sufficiently detailed for constructors to tender on and build to.
- “-D” means that the drawing has been completed similar to a reputable engineering consultant’s level of detail as part of an "Issued For Tender" or “Issued For Construction” set of drawings. The designer is allowed to reference an Icon Water “-D” drawing in their design set and they do not necessarily need to redraw such a drawing. Provided the designer has determined the drawing gives sufficient details to suit your specific project's needs and conditions. Designers must use a “-D” drawing wherever applicable if one exists as Icon Water wants to standardise safety, operability and maintainability outcomes for the general public, contractors and the Icon Water operations and maintenance workforce.
A check mark in the title block against a three letter abbreviation indicates that the drawing is applicable to that asset area. For example: SEW = Sewerage Network, WAT = Water Network, SPS = Sewage Pumping Station, WPS = Water Pumping Station. If a check mark is not shown against a particular asset area, it cannot be used for that asset area unless written approval is obtained from Icon Water.
** New/Updated Drawings
- SD-9504-D - Emergency Combination Shower with Eye / Face Wash Installation Details
- 3350 Series – Unit Metering – Unit title Developments
- SD-2007-C - Property Connection Details Narrow Block Sewer and Water Ties
Icon Water SD Series Drawings
- 1100 Series ‐ Drafting Symbols and Nomenclature
- 1200 Series ‐ Process
- 1300 Series ‐ Signage, Labels, Placards, Markers
- 2000 Series ‐ Sewerage Network ‐ Pipeline Layout
- 2100 Series ‐ Sewerage and Water Network ‐ Embedment and Trench
- 2200 Series ‐ Sewerage Network ‐ Below Ground Maintenance Points & Structures
- 2300 Series – Sewerage Network – Ventilation Systems
- 3000 Series ‐ Water Network ‐ Pipeline Layout
- 3200 Series ‐ Water Network ‐ Installation Practices and Structures
- 3300 Series ‐ Water Network ‐ Water Service Connections
- 3350 Series - Unit Metering - Unit title Developments
- 4100 Series ‐ Sewage Pumping Stations and Pressure Mains
- 5000 Series ‐ Buried and Above‐ground Pipelines ‐ Typical Details
- 5300 Series ‐ Piping Details ‐ Pipe Supports and Other Standard Piping Details
- 5500 Series ‐ Valve & Flowmeter Installations ‐ Above Ground
- 6100 Series ‐ Radar Level Sensors and Supports
- 8000 Series ‐ Ladders, Stairs & Associated Covers ‐ Typical Arrangements
- 8100 Series ‐ Ladders, Stairs & Step Irons
- 8200 Series ‐ Access Hatches and Covers
- 8400 Series ‐ Fall Prevention ‐ Davits, Anchor Points and Guardrailing
- 9000 Series ‐ Site Security and Access ‐ Fencing, Gates, Bollards and Barriers
- 9100 Series ‐ Steelwork & Aluminium Work ‐ Miscellaneous
- 9300 Series ‐ Earth & Concrete Works ‐ Miscellaneous
- 9400 Series ‐ Mechanical & Piping ‐ Miscellaneous
- 9500 Series - Miscellaneous
** Updated 2024 **
For the product to be considered for the approved products list, please complete the product approval application checklist and email it with all necessary documentation to both talktous@iconwater.com.au and technicalassurance@iconwater.com.au.
See APPENDIX A – PRODUCT APPROVAL GUIDELINES in STD-SPE-G-006 Approved Products List. All applications for product and material approval should be directed to the Icon Water Technical Authority:
Att: Technical Authority
Icon Water Ltd
GPO Box 366
Canberra ACT 2601
Email: talktous@iconwater.com.au, technicalassurance@iconwater.com.au