{"id":"a-2000-68","name":"Water and Sewerage Act 2000","slug":"water-and-sewerage-act-2000","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"act","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"68 of 2000","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":24482,"registerId":"act-a-2000-68-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Water and Sewerage Act 2000","content":"Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nA2000-68\nRepublication No 29\nEffective: 26 November 2025\nRepublication date: 26 November 2025\nLast amendment made by A2025-29\n\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAbout this republication\nThe republished law\nThis is a republication of the Water and Sewerage Act 2000 (including any amendment made\nunder the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 26 November 2025.\nIt also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law\nto 26 November 2025.\nThe legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3\nand 4.\nKinds of republications\nThe Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT\nlegislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):\n• authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies\n• unauthorised republications.\nThe status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.\nEditorial changes\nThe Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial\namendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.\nEditorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by\nan Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The\nchanges are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into\nline, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.\nThis republication includes amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).\nUncommenced provisions and amendments\nIf a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately\nbefore the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law\nare accessible on the ACT legislation register (www.legislation.act.gov.au). For more\ninformation, see the home page for this law on the register.\nModifications\nIf a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the\nsymbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying\nprovision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation\nAct 2001, section 95.\nPenalties\nAt the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an\nindividual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).\n\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\ncontents 1\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nContents\nPage\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Name of Act 2\n2 Dictionary 2\n3 Notes 2\n4 Application of Act to certain installations 2\nPart 2 Plan approvals\nDivision 2.1 Certifiers\n5 Appointment of certifiers 3\n6 Prohibition against contracting out 4\nDivision 2.2 Issue of plan approvals\n7 Application for plan approval 4\n8 Issue of plan approvals 4\n9 Amendment of approved plans 6\n\nContents\nPage\ncontents 2 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n9A Marking approval of amendment 7\n10 Notification of cessation of appointment of certifier 8\nPart 3 Offences\n11 Notice of fire sprinkler work by licensee 9\n15 Notice of water supply plumbing work by licensee 9\n16 Notice of sanitary plumbing or drainage work by licensee 10\n17 Installation of toilets 13\n17A Water supply and sanitary plumbing work 13\nPart 4 Enforcement\nDivision 4.1 General\n18 Definitions—pt 4 14\n20 Construction occupations registrar may require information and\ndocuments 14\n21 Contravention of requirement by construction occupations registrar 15\n22 Construction occupations registrar may require rectification of\ndefective work 16\nDivision 4.2 Inspectors\n23 Appointment of inspectors 17\n24 Identity cards 18\n25 Construction occupations registrar’s powers 18\n26 Delegation—construction occupations registrar 18\n27 Power to enter premises 18\n28 Production of identity card 19\n29 Consent to entry 19\n30 Warrants 20\n31 Warrants—application made other than in person 21\nDivision 4.3 Powers of inspectors on entry to premises\n32 Powers on entry to premises 22\n33 Power to require name and address 25\n34 Power to seize evidence 25\n35 Receipt for things seized 26\n36 Access to things seized 27\n37 Return of things seized 27\n\nContents\nPage\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\ncontents 3\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n38 Power to inspect plumbing or sanitary drainage work 27\nDivision 4.4 Miscellaneous\n39 Self-incrimination etc 28\nPart 5 Notification and review of decisions\n44 Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 5 30\n44A Reviewable decision notices 30\n44B Applications for review 30\nPart 6 Plumbing code\n44C Plumbing code 31\n44D Regulation under s 44C (1), def plumbing code and Legislation Act,\ns 47 32\n44G Certified copies of plumbing code 32\nPart 7 Miscellaneous\n45 Determination of fees 33\n46 Applying, adopting or incorporating documents in regulations 33\n49 Regulation-making power 34\nDictionary 35\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes 42\n2 Abbreviation key 42\n3 Legislation history 43\n4 Amendment history 47\n5 Earlier republications 53\n\n\n\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 1\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nAn Act to make provision in relation to the supply of plumbing or sanitary\ndrainage services\n\nPart 1 Preliminary\nSection 1\npage 2 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Name of Act\nThis Act is the Water and Sewerage Act 2000.\n2 Dictionary\nThe dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.\nNote 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this\nAct, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined\nelsewhere in this Act or in other legislation.\nFor example, the signpost definition ‘sewerage network—see the\nUtilities Act 2000, section 14.’ means the term ‘sewerage network’ is\ndefined in the dictionary to the Act and the definition applies to this Act.\nNote 2 A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to\nthe entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act,\nprovides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see\nLegislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).\n3 Notes\nA note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.\nNote See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.\n4 Application of Act to certain installations\n(1) To remove any doubt, this Act applies, as far as possible, to the\ninstallation of the following:\n(a) a chemical toilet;\n(b) a flushing toilet that will, or is intended to, discharge into a\nseptic system;\n(c) a connection to a septic system.\n(2) This section does not limit the application of this Act.\n\nPlan approvals Part 2\nCertifiers Division 2.1\nSection 5\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 3\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 2 Plan approvals\nDivision 2.1 Certifiers\n5 Appointment of certifiers\n(1) The owner of premises where it is proposed to do sanitary plumbing\nwork, water supply plumbing work or sanitary drainage work must\nappoint a certifier in relation to the work.\nNote For the making of appointments, see the Legislation Act, div 19.3.\n(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if—\n(a) the structure in relation to which the work is to be done is a\nsingle residential building; or\n(b) the work is on a pipe connected to a property service less than\n50mm in diameter; or\n(c) the work consists of replacing taps or toilets or other basic\nmaintenance; or\n(d) the cost of the work is not more than $1 000 or a higher\nprescribed amount.\n(3) A certifier’s appointment ends if the certifier ceases to be entitled to\nbe appointed as a certifier in relation to the relevant work.\nNote 1 A person’s power to make an appointment includes the power to end the\nappointment (see Legislation Act, s 208).\nNote 2 A person’s appointment also ends if the person resigns (see Legislation\nAct, s 210).\n(4) The Legislation Act, section 209 (Power of appointment includes\npower to make acting appointment) does not apply to the appointment\nof a certifier under this section.\n\nPart 2 Plan approvals\nDivision 2.2 Issue of plan approvals\nSection 6\npage 4 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n6 Prohibition against contracting out\nA provision in a contract or agreement that purports to limit or modify\nthe operation of this Act in relation to a certifier has no effect.\nDivision 2.2 Issue of plan approvals\n7 Application for plan approval\nThe owner of premises may apply to a certifier for approval of a plan\nin relation to sanitary drainage work, sanitary plumbing work or water\nsupply plumbing work.\n8 Issue of plan approvals\n(1) A certifier must not approve a plan in relation to sanitary drainage\nwork, sanitary plumbing work, or water supply plumbing work unless\nthe following approvals have been obtained for the result of the work:\n(a) approval from the responsible utility—\n(i) if non-domestic waste is to be disposed of—for the\ndisposal of the waste to the sewerage network and the\nmanner of disposal; or\n(ii) if an increase in water demand or sewer load is expected—\nfor the increase; or\n(iii) if a point of connection to the sewerage network or the\nwater network is to be changed or removed—for the\nchange or removal; or\n(iv) if a new point of connection to the sewerage network or the\nwater network is required—for the point; or\n(v) if a new fire service is proposed—for the proposal; or\n(vi) if surface water or stormwater is to be discharged to the\nsewerage network—for the discharge and manner of\ndischarge; or\n\nPlan approvals Part 2\nIssue of plan approvals Division 2.2\nSection 8\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 5\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(vii) if a water pumping appliance or sewage pumping appliance\nis to be connected to the water network or the sewerage\nnetwork—for the connection and manner of connection;\n(b) if radioactive materials are to be disposed of into the sewerage\nnetwork—approval from the responsible utility and the chief\nhealth officer for the disposal and manner of disposal.\n(2) A certifier must not issue a plan approval unless—\n(a) the application is in accordance with section 7 (Application for\nplan approval); and\n(b) the plan that accompanies the application complies with any\nrequirements prescribed by regulation; and\n(c) the applicant has obtained the approvals mentioned in\nsubsection (1); and\n(d) the requirements of this Act have otherwise been complied with;\nand\n(e) the proposed plumbing or sanitary drainage work complies with\nthe plumbing code.\n(3) If the certifier issues a plan approval—\n(a) the approval must be marked on, attached to or partly marked on\nand partly attached to, each page of the plan it relates to; and\n(b) the certifier must initial and mark the certifier’s licence number\non each page of the plan.\n(4) However, if, because of the size of the plans, it is impractical to mark\nthe plumbing plan approval on each page of the plans, instead of\nmarking the approval under subsection (3) (a), the certifier may mark\neach page of the plans with an indication that the approval, or part of\nthe approval, is in a separate document instead.\n\nPart 2 Plan approvals\nDivision 2.2 Issue of plan approvals\nSection 9\npage 6 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(5) A certifier who issues a plan approval must—\n(a) give a copy of the approval and the relevant plans—\n(i) as soon as practicable, to the applicant; and\n(ii) within 7 days after the day the plans are approved, to the\nconstruction occupations registrar; and\n(b) if the consequence of work in accordance with the plan would\nbe the discharge of raw or treated sewage, or a by-product of\nsewage, to somewhere other than the sewerage network—give\nnotice as prescribed by regulation to the chief health officer and\nthe director-general, of the administrative unit responsible for\nenvironmental matters.\n9 Amendment of approved plans\n(1) The owner of premises to which a plan approved by a certifier relates\nmay apply to a certifier for approval of an amendment of the plan.\n(2) The certifier—\n(a) must refuse the application if satisfied that the proposed\namendment requires reconsideration of the plan approval; or\n(b) may approve the amendment and amend the plan accordingly\nif—\n(i) satisfied that reconsideration of the plan approval is not\nrequired; and\n(ii) the requirements of section 8 (2), other than paragraph (a),\nhave been complied with in relation to the amendment.\n(3) A regulation may prescribe when the proposed amendment of a plan\ndoes, or does not, require reconsideration of the plan approval.\n(4) A certifier who approves an amendment must keep all documents\nrelating to the amendment for 12 months.\n\nPlan approvals Part 2\nIssue of plan approvals Division 2.2\nSection 9A\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 7\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(5) In this section, a reference to a plan approval includes a reference to\nan approval that has been amended in accordance with this section.\n9A Marking approval of amendment\n(1) If a certifier approves a plan as amended under section 9—\n(a) the amended plan approval must be marked on, attached to or\npartly marked on and partly attached to, each page of the plan it\nrelates to; and\n(b) the certifier must initial and mark the certifier’s licence number\non each page of the plan.\n(2) However, if, because of the size of the plans, it is impractical to mark\nthe amended plumbing plan approval on each page of the plan, instead\nof marking the amended plan approval under subsection (1) (a), the\ncertifier may mark each page of the plan with an indication that the\napproval, or part of the approval, is in a separate document instead.\n(3) The certifier must—\n(a) give a copy of the amended approval and the amended plan as\nsoon as practicable to the person who applied for the approval;\nand\n(b) within 7 days after the issue give to the construction occupations\nregistrar—\n(i) a copy of the amended approval; and\n(ii) a copy of the amended plan.\n\nPart 2 Plan approvals\nDivision 2.2 Issue of plan approvals\nSection 10\npage 8 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n10 Notification of cessation of appointment of certifier\nA certifier who has received an application for a plan approval under\nsection 7 (Application for plan approval) must, if the certifier’s\nappointment in relation to the work ends, within 7 days after the\nappointment ends, notify the construction occupations registrar, in\nwriting.\nMaximum penalty: 1 penalty unit.\n\nOffences Part 3\nSection 11\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 9\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 3 Offences\n11 Notice of fire sprinkler work by licensee\nNote Under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, unlicensed\npeople must not provide certain services.\nA licensee commits an offence if the licensee installs or fits a\nsprinkler system or any part of a fire sprinkler service without giving\nthe construction occupations registrar written notice of the licensee’s\nintention to provide the service at least 2 business days before the day\nthe licensee intends to start to provide the service.\nMaximum penalty: 20 penalty units.\n15 Notice of water supply plumbing work by licensee\nNote Under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, unlicensed\npeople must not provide certain services.\n(1) A licensee commits an offence if the licensee provides a water supply\nplumbing service without—\n(a) giving the construction occupations registrar written notice of\nthe licensee’s intention to provide the service at least 2 days\nbefore the day the licensee intends to start to provide the service;\nand\n(b) if approval is required for a plan under a regulation—getting the\napproval.\nMaximum penalty: 20 penalty units.\n(2) A licensee commits an offence if, while providing a water supply\nplumbing service, the licensee contravenes any direction given by the\nconstruction occupations registrar about how the service is to be\nprovided.\nMaximum penalty: 20 penalty units.\n\nPart 3 Offences\nSection 16\npage 10 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(3) A licensee commits an offence if—\n(a) the licensee does water supply plumbing work that includes the\ninstallation of a thing to which the plumbing code applies; and\n(b) the thing is not certified under the plumbing code procedure.\nMaximum penalty: 20 penalty units.\n(4) A notice under subsection (1) must be signed by—\n(a) the licensed plumber actually engaged in doing the work\nreferred to in the notice; or\n(b) the licensed plumber employing another plumber to do the work\nunder the licensed plumber’s supervision.\n(5) A licensed plumber must not—\n(a) sign a notice for work that is not actually done by the plumber\nor by a plumber under the licensed plumber’s supervision; or\n(b) do work under a notice not signed by the licensed plumber.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units.\n(6) An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.\n16 Notice of sanitary plumbing or drainage work by licensee\nNote Under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, unlicensed\npeople must not provide certain services.\n(1) A licensee commits an offence if the licensee provides a sanitary\nplumbing service or a sanitary drainage service without—\n(a) giving the construction occupations registrar written notice of\nthe licensee’s intention to provide the service at least 2 days\nbefore the day the licensee intends to start to provide the service;\nor\n\nOffences Part 3\nSection 16\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 11\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(b) if the service is minor sanitary plumbing work—giving the\nregistrar a minor works notice within 7 days after the day the\nlicensee completes the work; or\n(c) if the service is minor drainage work—giving the registrar a\nminor works notice within 7 days after the day the licensee\ncompletes the work.\nMaximum penalty: 20 penalty units.\n(2) An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.\n(3) A notice under subsection (1) must, except in the case of a minor\nworks notice—\n(a) for work relating to a single residential building—be\naccompanied by a site plan; or\n(b) in any other case—be accompanied by a plan approval under\nsection 8 (Issue of plan approvals).\n(4) A site plan must be drawn in accordance with AS 1100 on a scale of\nnot less than 1:200.\n(5) Subsection (1) does not apply to—\n(a) a person who holds a journeyperson plumbers licence who\nperforms minor sanitary plumbing work if the work is\nperformed under the general supervision of a person who—\n(i) holds a sanitary plumber’s licence and who has given\nnotice under subsection (1) (a); or\n(ii) submits a minor works notice within 7 days after\ncompleting the work; and\n(b) a person who holds an operative drainer’s licence who performs\nminor drainage work if the work is performed under the general\nsupervision of a person who—\n(i) holds an advanced sanitary drainer’s licence and who has\ngiven notice under subsection (1) (a); or\n\nPart 3 Offences\nSection 16\npage 12 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(ii) submits a minor works notice within 7 days after\ncompleting the work.\n(6) For this section, work is minor sanitary plumbing work if—\n(a) the work is sanitary plumbing work that is limited to\nmaintenance of existing work; and\n(b) the holder of a sanitary plumber’s licence has entered into a\ncontract with a person to perform the work; and\n(c) the consideration to be given for performance of the work,\nexcluding the cost of sanitary fixtures supplied for the work, is\nnot greater than $1 000 in value.\n(7) For this section, work is minor drainage work if—\n(a) the work is the replacement or repair of any drain; and\n(b) the holder of an advanced sanitary drainer’s licence has entered\ninto a contract with a person to perform the work; and\n(c) the consideration to be given for performance of the work,\nexcluding the cost of sanitary fixtures supplied for the work, is\nnot greater than $1 000 in value.\n(8) In this section:\nAS 1100 means AS 1100 (Technical drawing), as in force from time\nto time.\nNote AS 1100 may be purchased at www.standards.org.au.\nminor works notice means a notice that certifies that the work was\ncompleted in accordance with the regulations.\n\nOffences Part 3\nSection 17\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 13\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n17 Installation of toilets\nNote The Public Health Regulation 2000, div 6.3 also contains requirements\nfor toilet installation.\n(1) A licensee commits an offence if—\n(a) the licensee installs a toilet; and\n(b) the toilet does not comply with the requirements prescribed by\nregulation.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(2) An offence under subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.\n(3) To remove any doubt, in this section:\ntoilet—\n(a) means the bowl or cistern; and\n(b) includes a urinal.\n17A Water supply and sanitary plumbing work\n(1) A licensee commits an offence if—\n(a) the licensee does water supply plumbing work or sanitary\nplumbing work in relation to—\n(i) a shower; or\n(ii) a tap inside a building; or\n(iii) a sink; and\n(b) the work contravenes a requirement prescribed by regulation.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(2) An offence under subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.\n\nPart 4 Enforcement\nDivision 4.1 General\nSection 18\npage 14 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 4 Enforcement\nDivision 4.1 General\n18 Definitions—pt 4\nIn this part:\nconnected—a thing is connected with an offence if—\n(a) the offence has been committed in relation to it; or\n(b) it will provide evidence of the commission of the offence; or\n(c) it was used, or is intended to be used, to commit the offence.\noccupier, of premises, includes—\n(a) a person reasonably believed to be an occupier of the premises;\nand\n(b) a person apparently in charge of the premises.\noffence includes an offence that there are reasonable grounds for\nbelieving is being, has been or will be committed.\nreasonably believes means has reasonable grounds for believing.\n20 Construction occupations registrar may require\ninformation and documents\n(1) If the construction occupations registrar is satisfied that a person is\ncapable of providing information or producing a document that the\nregistrar reasonably requires for this Act, the registrar may, by written\nnotice given to the person, require the person—\n(a) to give the information to the registrar in writing signed by the\nperson or, in the case of a corporation, by an officer of the\ncorporation; or\n\nEnforcement Part 4\nGeneral Division 4.1\nSection 21\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 15\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(b) to produce the document to the registrar.\nNote For how documents may be served, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.\n(2) The notice must state—\n(a) the place where the information or document is to be given or\nproduced to the construction occupations registrar; and\n(b) the time when, or the period within which, the information or\ndocument is to be given or produced.\n(3) If a document is produced in accordance with a requirement under\nsubsection (1), the construction occupations registrar—\n(a) may—\n(i) take possession of, and make a copy of, or take extracts\nfrom, the document; and\n(ii) retain possession of the document for such period as is\nnecessary for this Act; and\n(b) must, during that period, allow a person who would be entitled\nto inspect the document, if it was not in the possession of the\nregistrar, to inspect the document at any reasonable time.\n21 Contravention of requirement by construction\noccupations registrar\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, contravene a\nrequirement under section 20.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or\nboth.\n\nPart 4 Enforcement\nDivision 4.1 General\nSection 22\npage 16 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n22 Construction occupations registrar may require\nrectification of defective work\n(1) This section applies if work has not been done in accordance with an\ninspector’s direction under section 32 (4) (Powers on entry to\npremises) and the construction occupations registrar reasonably\nbelieves that—\n(a) the work is necessary to ensure that the plumbing, or the sanitary\ndrainage system, complies with this Act; and\n(b) it is necessary to give a direction under this section to protect—\n(i) the health or safety of people; or\n(ii) public or private property; or\n(iii) the environment.\n(2) The construction occupations registrar may, in writing, direct the\nowner to do the work to which the inspector’s direction relates in the\nway, and within the time, mentioned in the registrar’s direction.\n(3) Subsection (4) applies if—\n(a) the direction requires the owner to do a thing (including provide\nwritten information); and\n(b) the owner is not licensed, authorised or qualified to do the thing.\n(4) The owner must arrange, and pay for, the thing to be done by someone\nwho is licensed, authorised or qualified to do the thing.\n(5) If the owner contravenes a direction under subsection (2), the\nconstruction occupations registrar may arrange for the work to be\ndone.\n(6) The reasonable expenses incurred by the construction occupations\nregistrar under subsection (5) are a debt due by the owner to the\nTerritory.\n\nEnforcement Part 4\nInspectors Division 4.2\nSection 23\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 17\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nDivision 4.2 Inspectors\n23 Appointment of inspectors\n(1) The construction occupations registrar may appoint a person as an\ninspector for this Act.\nNote 1 For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see the\nLegislation Act, div 19.3.\nNote 2 In particular, a person may be appointed for a particular provision of a\nlaw (see Legislation Act, s 7 (3)) and an appointment may be made by\nnaming a person or nominating the occupant of a position (see s 207).\n(2) An inspector must exercise the inspector’s functions under this Act in\naccordance with the conditions of appointment and any direction\ngiven to the inspector by the construction occupations registrar.\n(3) A person must not be appointed under subsection (1) unless—\n(a) the person is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of\nAustralia; and\n(b) the construction occupations registrar has certified in writing\nthat, after appropriate inquiry, the registrar is satisfied that the\nperson is a suitable person to be appointed, having regard in\nparticular to—\n(i) whether the person has any criminal convictions; and\n(ii) the person’s employment record; and\n(c) the construction occupations registrar has certified in writing\nthat the registrar is satisfied that the person—\n(i) has satisfactorily completed adequate training; and\n(ii) is competent;\nto exercise the powers of an inspector proposed to be given to the\nperson.\n\nPart 4 Enforcement\nDivision 4.2 Inspectors\nSection 24\npage 18 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n24 Identity cards\n(1) The construction occupations registrar must give each inspector an\nidentity card—\n(a) that specifies the inspector’s name and appointment as an\ninspector; and\n(b) on which there is a recent photograph of the inspector.\n(2) A person must, within 7 days after ceasing to be an inspector, return\nthe identity card to the construction occupations registrar.\nMaximum penalty (subsection (2)): 1 penalty unit.\n25 Construction occupations registrar’s powers\nThe construction occupations registrar may, subject to this part,\nexercise all the powers of an inspector.\n26 Delegation—construction occupations registrar\nThe construction occupations registrar may delegate the registrar’s\nfunctions under this part (other than section 23 (Appointment of\ninspectors)) to an inspector or public servant.\nNote For the making of delegations and the exercise of delegated functions,\nsee the Legislation Act, pt 19.4.\n27 Power to enter premises\n(1) An inspector may, for this Act—\n(a) enter any premises at any time with the consent of the occupier;\nor\n(b) at any reasonable time, enter premises connected to a water\nnetwork or sewerage network (other than a part of the premises\nused for residential purposes); or\n(c) enter premises in accordance with a warrant under this division.\n\nEnforcement Part 4\nInspectors Division 4.2\nSection 28\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 19\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(2) An inspector may, without the occupier’s consent or a warrant, enter\nthe land around premises to ask the occupier for consent to enter the\npremises.\n28 Production of identity card\nAn inspector may not remain on premises entered under this part if,\non request by the occupier, the inspector does not produce the\ninspector’s identity card.\n29 Consent to entry\n(1) When seeking the consent of an occupier for entering premises under\nthis part, an inspector must—\n(a) produce the inspector’s identity card; and\n(b) tell the occupier—\n(i) the purpose of the entry; and\n(ii) that anything found and seized by the inspector may be\nused in evidence in court; and\n(iii) that consent may be refused.\n(2) If the occupier consents, the inspector must ask the occupier to sign a\nwritten acknowledgment—\n(a) that the occupier was told—\n(i) the purpose of the entry; and\n(ii) that anything found and seized under this part may be used\nin evidence in court; and\n(iii) that consent may be refused; and\n(b) that the occupier consented to the entry; and\n(c) the time, and day, when consent was given.\n\nPart 4 Enforcement\nDivision 4.2 Inspectors\nSection 30\npage 20 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(3) If the occupier signs an acknowledgment of consent, the inspector\nmust immediately give a copy to the occupier.\n(4) Unless the contrary is proved, a court must presume that an occupier\ndid not consent to an entry to premises by an inspector under this part\nif—\n(a) the question whether the occupier consented to the entry arises\nin proceedings in the court; and\n(b) an acknowledgment under this section is not produced in\nevidence for the entry; and\n(c) it is not proved that the occupier consented to the entry.\n30 Warrants\n(1) An inspector may apply to a magistrate for a warrant to enter\npremises.\n(2) The application must be sworn and state the grounds on which the\nwarrant is sought.\n(3) The magistrate may refuse to consider the application until the\ninspector gives the magistrate all the information the magistrate\nrequires about the application in the way the magistrate requires.\n(4) The magistrate may issue a warrant only if satisfied there are\nreasonable grounds for suspecting—\n(a) there is a particular thing or activity (the evidence) connected\nwith an offence against this Act; and\n(b) the evidence is, or may be within the next 14 days, at the\npremises.\n(5) The warrant must state—\n(a) that the inspector may, with necessary help and force, enter the\npremises and exercise the inspector’s powers under this part;\nand\n\nEnforcement Part 4\nInspectors Division 4.2\nSection 31\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 21\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(b) the offence for which the warrant is sought; and\n(c) the evidence that may be seized under the warrant; and\n(d) the hours when the premises may be entered; and\n(e) the date, within 14 days after the warrant’s issue, the warrant\nends.\n31 Warrants—application made other than in person\n(1) An inspector may apply for a warrant by phone, fax, radio or other\nform of communication if the inspector considers it necessary\nbecause of—\n(a) urgent circumstances; or\n(b) other special circumstances.\n(2) Before applying for the warrant, the inspector must prepare an\napplication stating the grounds on which the warrant is sought.\n(3) The inspector may apply for the warrant before the application is\nsworn.\n(4) After issuing the warrant, the magistrate must immediately provide a\nwritten copy to the inspector if it is reasonably practicable to do so.\n(5) If it is not reasonably practicable to provide a written copy to the\ninspector—\n(a) the magistrate must—\n(i) tell the inspector what the terms of the warrant are; and\n(ii) tell the inspector the date and time the warrant was issued;\nand\n(b) the inspector must complete a form of warrant (warrant form)\nand write on it—\n(i) the magistrate’s name; and\n\nPart 4 Enforcement\nDivision 4.3 Powers of inspectors on entry to premises\nSection 32\npage 22 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(ii) the date and time the magistrate issued the warrant; and\n(iii) the warrant’s terms.\n(6) The written copy of the warrant, or the warrant form properly\ncompleted by the inspector, authorises the entry and the exercise of\nthe inspector’s powers under this part.\n(7) The inspector must, at the first reasonable opportunity, send the\nmagistrate—\n(a) the sworn application; and\n(b) if the inspector completed a warrant form—the completed\nwarrant form.\n(8) On receiving the documents, the magistrate must attach them to the\nwarrant.\n(9) Unless the contrary is proven, a court must presume that a power\nexercised by the inspector was not authorised by a warrant under this\nsection if—\n(a) the question arises in a proceeding before the court whether the\nexercise of power was authorised by a warrant; and\n(b) the warrant is not produced in evidence.\nDivision 4.3 Powers of inspectors on entry to\npremises\n32 Powers on entry to premises\n(1) An inspector who enters premises under this part may, for this Act—\n(a) inspect or measure the premises or anything on the premises, in\nparticular any plumbing, or sanitary drainage system; or\n(b) take photographs or films or audio, video or other recordings of\nthe premises or anything on the premises; or\n(c) take copies or extracts of documents kept on the premises; or\n\nEnforcement Part 4\nPowers of inspectors on entry to premises Division 4.3\nSection 32\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 23\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(d) inspect records on the premises in relation to plumbing or\nsanitary drainage work; or\n(e) require the occupier to give reasonable help to exercise a power\nunder this Act; or\n(f) require the occupier or a person on the premises to—\n(i) answer questions or give information; or\n(ii) make available any record or document kept on the\npremises.\n(2) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, contravene a\nrequirement under subsection (1) (e) or (f).\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units.\n(3) For subsection (1), the inspector may open up premises or excavate\nland, doing as little damage as is reasonably practicable in the\ncircumstances.\n(4) An inspector who exercises a power under subsection (1) and finds\nany part of the plumbing, or the sanitary drainage system, that—\n(a) does not comply with, or has not tested in accordance with, this\nAct; or\n(b) is in bad order and condition, or requires cleaning or alteration\nor should be filled up;\nmay give a written direction to the owner of the premises, or the\nperson who did the work, to take stated action (including provide\nwritten information) to ensure that the system, or the doing of related\nwork, complies with the Act.\nExamples—written information\n1 a written report about a test required in the direction by the person who did the\ntest\n2 a hydraulic engineer’s report about whether work complies with relevant\nstandards\n3 certification from a plumbing plan certifier that work complies with this Act\n\nPart 4 Enforcement\nDivision 4.3 Powers of inspectors on entry to premises\nSection 32\npage 24 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(5) Subsection (6) applies if—\n(a) the direction requires the person to whom it is given to do a\nthing; and\n(b) the person—\n(i) is not licensed, authorised or qualified to do the thing; or\n(ii) if a licence, authorisation or qualification is not required to\ndo the thing—does not have appropriate experience and\nskill to do the thing.\n(6) The person must arrange, and pay for, the thing to be done by\nsomeone who—\n(a) is licensed, authorised or qualified to do the thing; or\n(b) if a licence, authorisation or qualification is not required to do\nthe thing—has appropriate experience and skill to do the thing.\n(7) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, contravene a direction\nunder subsection (4).\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units.\n(8) If any part of the plumbing, or the sanitary drainage system, is not\nfound by the inspector to be of the nature mentioned in\nsubsection (4) (a) or (b), the inspector must arrange for the service or\nsystem to be promptly put back as near as is reasonably practicable to\nits former condition or state.\n(9) The costs or expenses incurred by the inspector under subsection (8),\nincluding any testing or examination, must be met by the Territory.\n\nEnforcement Part 4\nPowers of inspectors on entry to premises Division 4.3\nSection 33\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n33 Power to require name and address\n(1) An inspector may require a person to state the person’s name and\naddress if the inspector—\n(a) finds a person committing an offence against this Act; or\n(b) reasonably believes that a person has committed an offence\nagainst this Act.\n(2) In exercising a power under subsection (1), an inspector must—\n(a) inform the person of the reasons for the requirement; and\n(b) as soon as practicable after making the requirement, record those\nreasons.\n(3) A person is not required to comply with a requirement under\nsubsection (1) if, on request by the person, the inspector does not\nproduce the inspector’s identity card.\n(4) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, contravene a\nrequirement under subsection (1).\nMaximum penalty (subsection (4)): 5 penalty units.\n34 Power to seize evidence\n(1) An inspector who enters premises with a warrant under this part may\nseize the evidence for which the warrant was issued.\n(2) An inspector who enters premises under this part without a warrant\nmay seize a thing on the premises if—\n(a) the inspector is satisfied the thing is connected with an offence\nagainst this Act; and\n(b) seizure of the thing is consistent with the purpose of the entry as\ntold to the occupier in seeking the occupier’s consent.\n\nPart 4 Enforcement\nDivision 4.3 Powers of inspectors on entry to premises\nSection 35\npage 26 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(3) An inspector may also seize another thing on the premises entered\nunder this part if the inspector is satisfied—\n(a) the thing is connected with an offence against this Act; and\n(b) the seizure is necessary to prevent the thing being—\n(i) concealed, lost or destroyed; or\n(ii) used to commit, continue or repeat the offence.\n(4) Having seized a thing, the inspector may—\n(a) remove the thing from the premises where it was seized (the\nplace of seizure) to another place; or\n(b) leave the thing at the place of seizure but restrict access to it.\n(5) A person must not, without the construction occupations registrar’s\napproval, interfere with a thing to which access has been restricted\nunder subsection (4).\nMaximum penalty (subsection (5)): 50 penalty units, imprisonment\nfor 6 months or both.\n35 Receipt for things seized\n(1) As soon as practicable after a thing is seized by an inspector under\nthis part, the inspector must give a receipt for it to the person from\nwhom it was seized.\n(2) If, for any reason, it is not practicable to comply with subsection (1),\nthe inspector must leave the receipt, secured conspicuously at the\nplace of seizure.\n\nEnforcement Part 4\nPowers of inspectors on entry to premises Division 4.3\nSection 36\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 27\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n36 Access to things seized\nA person who would, but for the seizure, be entitled to a thing seized\nunder this part may—\n(a) inspect it; and\n(b) if it is a document—take extracts from it or make copies of it.\n37 Return of things seized\n(1) A thing seized under this part must be returned to its owner, or\nreasonable compensation must be paid to the owner by the Territory\nfor the loss of the thing, if—\n(a) a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is not instituted\nwithin 90 days of the seizure; or\n(b) the court does not find the offence proved in a prosecution for\nan offence relating to the thing.\n(2) A thing seized under this part is forfeited to the Territory if a court—\n(a) finds an offence relating to the thing to be proved; and\n(b) orders the forfeiture.\n(3) If subsection (2) (a) applies, but a court does not order forfeiture of\nthe thing seized, the construction occupations registrar must return\nthe thing to its owner or the Territory must pay reasonable\ncompensation to the owner for the loss of the thing.\n38 Power to inspect plumbing or sanitary drainage work\n(1) An inspector may enter and remain on premises to conduct a test or\ninspection under this Act in relation to plumbing or sanitary drainage\nwork.\n\nPart 4 Enforcement\nDivision 4.4 Miscellaneous\nSection 39\npage 28 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(2) An inspector may enter and remain on the premises under\nsubsection (1)—\n(a) at any reasonable time; and\n(b) with the people, equipment or material that the inspector\nreasonably needs to conduct the test or inspection.\n(3) However, the inspector may not, under this section—\n(a) enter or remain on premises if, on request by the occupier, the\ninspector does not produce the inspector’s identity card; or\n(b) without the consent of the occupier, enter or remain on any part\nof the premises used for residential purposes.\n(4) The power to enter premises under this section is additional to the\npowers under section 27 (Power to enter premises).\nDivision 4.4 Miscellaneous\n39 Self-incrimination etc\n(1) A person is not excused from providing information, producing a\ndocument or answering a question when required to do so under this\npart on the ground that the information, document or answer might\ntend to incriminate the person.\n(2) However—\n(a) the provision of the information, document or answer; or\n(b) any information, document or thing obtained as a direct or\nindirect consequence of providing the information, document or\nanswer;\nis not admissible in evidence against the person in criminal\nproceedings.\n\nEnforcement Part 4\nMiscellaneous Division 4.4\nSection 39\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 29\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to proceedings for—\n(a) an offence under this part; or\n(b) any other offence in relation to the falsity of the information or\ndocument.\nNote 1 A reference to an offence against a territory law includes a reference to a\nrelated ancillary offence, eg attempt (see Legislation Act, s 189).\nNote 2 The Legislation Act, s 171 deals with the application of client legal\nprivilege.\n\nPart 5 Notification and review of decisions\nSection 44\npage 30 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 5 Notification and review of\ndecisions\n44 Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 5\nIn this part:\nreviewable decision means a decision prescribed by regulation.\n44A Reviewable decision notices\nIf a person makes a reviewable decision, the person must give a\nreviewable decision notice to each entity prescribed by regulation in\nrelation to the decision.\nNote The person must also take reasonable steps to give a reviewable decision\nnotice to any other person whose interests are affected by the decision\n(see ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 67A).\n44B Applications for review\nThe following may apply to the ACAT for review of a reviewable\ndecision:\n(a) an entity prescribed by regulation in relation to the decision;\n(b) any other person whose interests are affected by the decision.\n\nPlumbing code Part 6\nSection 44C\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 31\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 6 Plumbing code\n44C Plumbing code\n(1) In this Act:\nplumbing code means—\n(a) the Plumbing Code of Australia prepared and published by the\nAustralian Building Codes Board as amended from time to time\nby—\n(i) the Australian Building Codes Board; and\n(ii) the Australian Capital Territory Appendix to the Plumbing\nCode of Australia; and\n(b) a document prescribed by regulation.\nNote 1 The date that each version of the PCA comes into effect in the ACT can\nbe found in the ‘History of PCA Adoption’ part in the PCA itself.\nHowever, a different date of effect may be prescribed by regulation or in\nan amendment of the PCA made by an Australian Capital Territory\nAppendix to the Plumbing Code of Australia.\nNote 2 See also s 44D (Regulation under s 44C (1), def plumbing code and\nLegislation Act, s 47).\n(2) The Plumbing Code of Australia includes the variations, additions\nand exclusions for the ACT contained in the code, including in an\nappendix to the code.\n(3) The Minister may make an Australian Capital Territory Appendix to\nthe Plumbing Code of Australia.\n(4) The Australian Capital Territory Appendix to the Plumbing Code of\nAustralia is a disallowable instrument.\n\nPart 6 Plumbing code\nSection 44D\npage 32 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(5) A regulation may make provision in relation to the application of the\nplumbing code.\nExample\nA new edition of the Plumbing Code of Australia comes into effect on 1 May 2013.\nA regulation provides that stated provisions of the PCA come into effect in the ACT\non 1 January 2014.\nNote The Australian Capital Territory Appendix to the Plumbing Code of\nAustralia may also amend the date the PCA comes into effect in the ACT.\n44D Regulation under s 44C (1), def plumbing code and\nLegislation Act, s 47\n(1) This section applies in relation to a regulation made under\nsection 44C (1), definition of plumbing code, paragraph (b).\n(2) A regulation may apply, adopt or incorporate a law of another\njurisdiction or instrument as in force from time to time.\n(3) The Legislation Act, section 47 (5) or (6) does not apply in relation\nto the law of another jurisdiction or instrument applied, adopted or\nincorporated under a regulation.\nNote Laws of another jurisdiction and instruments mentioned in s (3) do not\nneed to be notified under the Legislation Act because s 47 (5) and (6) do\nnot apply (see Legislation Act, s 47 (7)).\n(4) In this section:\nlaw of another jurisdiction—see the Legislation Act, section 47 (10).\n44G Certified copies of plumbing code\nIn a proceeding before a court or the ACAT, evidence of the plumbing\ncode as in force on a stated date or during a stated period may be\ngiven by the production of a copy of the plumbing code certified by\nthe construction occupations registrar as a true copy as at the date or\nduring the period.\n\nMiscellaneous Part 7\nSection 45\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 33\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 7 Miscellaneous\n45 Determination of fees\n(1) The Minister may determine fees for this Act.\n(2) A determination is a disallowable instrument.\n46 Applying, adopting or incorporating documents in\nregulations\n(1) A regulation may apply, adopt or incorporate (with or without change\nor modification)—\n(a) a law, Australian Standard or Australian/New Zealand Standard\nas in force from time to time; or\n(b) another instrument as in force from time to time.\n(2) The Legislation Act, section 47 (5) and (6) do not apply in relation to\na law, standard or instrument applied, adopted or incorporated under\nsubsection (1).\nNote The law, standard or instrument does not need to be notified under the\nLegislation Act because s 47 (5) and (6) do not apply (see Legislation\nAct, s 47 (7)).\n(3) The director-general must ensure that an instrument applied, adopted\nor incorporated under subsection (1) (b) is—\n(a) available for inspection by anyone without charge during\nordinary business hours at an ACT government office; or\n(b) accessible on an ACT government website, or by a link on an\nACT government website.\n(4) Any instrument that is applied, adopted or incorporated under\nsubsection (1) (b) is not enforceable by or against the Territory or\nanyone else unless it is made accessible in accordance with\nsubsection (3).\n\nPart 7 Miscellaneous\nSection 49\npage 34 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n49 Regulation-making power\n(1) The Executive may make regulations for this Act.\n(2) A regulation may also make provision in relation to—\n(a) the certification of plumbing or sanitary drainage work; and\n(b) the doing of plumbing or sanitary drainage work; and\n(c) the inspection of the plumbing, or the sanitary drainage system,\nor plumbing or sanitary drainage work; and\n(d) notification requirements in relation to plumbing or sanitary\ndrainage work; and\n(e) standards for plumbing or sanitary drainage work and the\napproval of materials to be used in that work; and\n(f) the connection of equipment to infrastructure related to the\nsupply of water or to drains or sewers; and\n(g) the removal or repair of defective plumbing or sanitary drainage\nwork; and\n(h) the review of decisions made under the regulations; and\n(i) the payment of fees.\n(3) The regulations may also prescribe offences for contraventions of the\nregulations and prescribe maximum penalties of not more than\n10 penalty units for offences against the regulations.\n\nDictionary\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 35\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nDictionary\n(see s 2)\nNote 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to\nthis Act.\nNote 2 In particular, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:\n• ACAT\n• appoint\n• Australian citizen\n• construction occupations registrar\n• disallowable instrument (see s 9)\n• document\n• exercise\n• function\n• magistrate\n• penalty unit (see s 133)\n• reviewable decision notice\n• the Territory.\nNote 3 The Legislation Act, s 164 defines the following terms:\n• AS\n• AS/NZS\n• Australian Standard\n• Australian/New Zealand Standard.\nbackflow prevention device means a device to prevent the reverse\nflow from a potentially polluted source into a water supply system for\nwater suitable for human consumption.\ncertifier means a person who holds a licence as a plumbing plan\ncertifier.\nconnected, with an offence, for part 4 (Enforcement)—see\nsection 18.\ncredit card includes a debit card.\n\nDictionary\npage 36 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nfire sprinkler service means the part of water supply pipework from\nfire sprinklers to the place where a backflow prevention device must\nbe installed to comply with the plumbing code to prevent backflow\nfrom the pipework directly serving the fire sprinklers.\nfire sprinkler work means the installation, replacement,\naugmentation, curtailing, maintenance, repair, or alteration of the\nlocation of all or part, of a fire sprinkler service.\ngrey water—\n(a) means domestic waste from baths, basins, showers and\nlaundries; and\n(b) includes floor waste from areas mentioned in paragraph (a); but\n(c) does not include kitchen waste or waste containing\ngastrointestinal products or other bodily waste.\nhot-water system means—\n(a) a water heater connected to a water service; and\n(b) the equipment and materials connected to a water service that\nare necessary to provide a supply of hot water.\ninspector—see section 23 (Appointment of inspectors).\nirrigation means the supplying of water for—\n(a) growth, cooling, treating, humidifying and frost protection of\nvegetation; and\n(b) water replenishment of the soil.\nirrigation system—\n(a) means the part of water supply pipework from a water network\nto outlets for irrigation; but\n(b) does not include part of a water network.\nland sublease—see the Planning Act 2023, dictionary.\n\nDictionary\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 37\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nlicence of a stated kind, means a licence of that kind under the\nConstruction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004.\nlicence number—see Construction Occupations (Licensing)\nAct 2004, section 23 (1) (c).\nlicensee, in relation to a service, means a person licensed under the\nConstruction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 to provide the\nservice.\noccupier, of premises, for part 4 (Enforcement)—see section 18.\noffence, for part 4 (Enforcement)—see section 18.\nowner, of premises or land on which a sewerage or water service has\nbeen, or is to be, installed includes—\n(a) the occupier, lessee, tenant or holder of the premises or land; and\n(b) for land under a land sublease or premises on the land—the\nsublessee.\nplan approval means a plan approval issued under section 8 (Issue of\nplan approvals).\nplumbing code—see section 44C.\npremises includes land and place.\nreasonably believes, for part 4 (Enforcement)—see section 18.\nresponsible utility means—\n(a) in relation to the sewerage network—a utility licensed to\nprovide sewerage services using the network; and\n(b) in relation to the water network—a utility licensed to provide\nwater services using the network.\nreviewable decision, for part 5 (Notification and review of\ndecisions)—see section 44.\n\nDictionary\npage 38 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nsanitary drain—\n(a) means a pipe, conduit or fitting, or device directly connected to\n1 or more of them, that—\n(i) is installed in or on the ground (or partly in and partly on\nthe ground) and is used, or for use, in relation to the\ndrainage of a single building, or the drainage of 2 or more\nbuildings by a combined drainage operation; and\n(ii) is, or is to be, indirectly or directly connected to a sewerage\nnetwork, a septic tank, on-site sewerage treatment unit or\nother receptacle for sewage; but\n(b) does not include—\n(i) a grey-water irrigation hose used, or for use, in relation to\nthe carrying of grey water directly to a grey-water\nirrigation area; or\n(ii) a thing mentioned in paragraph (a)—\n(A) that is part of a sewerage network for which there is a\nresponsible utility; or\n(B) that is intended by a utility, or by an entity that has an\narrangement (however described) with a utility in\nrelation to the thing, to become part of a sewerage\nnetwork for which the utility is the responsible utility.\nsanitary drainage work—\n(a) means the installation, replacement, augmentation, curtailing,\nmaintenance, repair, or alteration of the location of all or part, of\na sanitary drain; but\n(b) does not include—\n(i) inspecting a sanitary drain, clearing a blockage or\nobstruction of the drain, or cleaning the drain, unless the\ninspecting, clearing or cleaning involves damage to, or\n\nDictionary\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 39\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nremoval of part of, the sanitary drain or is done for reward;\nor\n(ii) the operation of a grey-water diverter.\nsanitary plumbing—\n(a) means a pipe, fitting, fixture or water appliance that is not in or\nin contact with the ground and that is used, or for use, in relation\nto the collecting or carrying of sewage to a sanitary drain; and\n(b) includes a fitting used, or for use, in the diversion of grey water,\nor for the direct connection of a grey-water irrigation hose; but\n(c) does not include a grey-water irrigation hose used, or for use, in\nrelation to the carrying of grey water directly to a grey-water\nirrigation area.\nsanitary plumbing work—\n(a) means the installation, replacement, augmentation, curtailing,\nmaintenance, repair, or alteration of the location of all or part, of\nsanitary plumbing; but\n(b) does not include—\n(i) inspecting sanitary plumbing, clearing a blockage or\nobstruction of the plumbing or cleaning the plumbing\nunless the inspecting, clearing or cleaning involves damage\nto, or removal of part of, the sanitary plumbing or is done\nfor reward; or\n(ii) the operation of a grey-water diverter.\nsewage—\n(a) means waste water from the community, including faecal\nmatter, urine and household and commercial waste water that\ncontains human waste; but\n(b) does not include stormwater.\nsewerage network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 14.\n\nDictionary\npage 40 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nsingle residential building means a detached house or a building\nmaking up no more than 2 residences, and includes—\n(a) a part of such a building; and\n(b) an adjunct to such a building.\nsite plan—see HB 50 (Glossary of building terms) as in force on\n1 March 1999.\nstormwater means surface water, subsoil water and runoff caused by\nrainfall on roof areas.\nwater appliance—\n(a) means an apparatus or machine that—\n(i) is connected to a water service outlet or hot-water system\noutlet; and\n(ii) has an outlet to drain waste water, or to draw off water\nprocessed, heated or cooled by the apparatus or machine;\nbut\n(b) does not include an apparatus or machine if—\n(i) the connection is to a water service outlet that is a tap; and\n(ii) the connection is a temporary hand connection.\nwater network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 12.\nwater service—\n(a) means the part of the water supply pipework used, or for use, for\nwater supply from a primary water source up to and including\noutlet valves at fixtures and water appliances; and\n(b) includes an irrigation system; but\n(c) does not include—\n(i) a fire sprinkler system; or\n(ii) part of a water network; or\n\nDictionary\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 41\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(iii) water supply pipework that is intended by either of the\nfollowing to become part of a water network, if the water\nnetwork is a water network for which there is a responsible\nutility:\n(A) the responsible utility;\n(B) an entity that has an arrangement (however described)\nwith the responsible utility in relation to the\npipework.\nwater supply plumbing work—\n(a) means the installation, replacement, augmentation, curtailing,\nmaintenance, repair, or alteration of the location of all or part, of\na water service or a hot-water system; and\n(b) includes fire sprinkler work; but\n(c) does not include removing a washer or something similar from\na tap or valve, or repairing or fitting the washer or the similar\nthing, unless the removal, repair or fitting involves damage to\npart of—\n(i) a water service; or\n(ii) a hot-water system; or\n(iii) an irrigation system; or\n(iv) a fire sprinkler system.\n\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes\npage 42 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes\nAmending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the\namendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law\nbut are set out in the endnotes.\nNot all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are\nannotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be\nobtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.\nUncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details\nof these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are\nunderlined in the legislation history and amendment history.\nIf all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered\nprovisions gives details of previous and current numbering.\nThe endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.\n2 Abbreviation key\nA = Act NI = Notifiable instrument\nAF = Approved form o = order\nam = amended om = omitted/repealed\namdt = amendment ord = ordinance\nAR = Assembly resolution orig = original\nch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph\nCN = Commencement notice pres = present\ndef = definition prev = previous\nDI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously\ndict = dictionary pt = part\ndisallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule\nAssembly reloc = relocated\ndiv = division renum = renumbered\nexp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No\nGaz = gazette RI = reissue\nhdg = heading s = section/subsection\nIA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule\nins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision\nLA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law\nLR = legislation register sub = substituted\nLRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced\nmod = modified/modification or to be expired\n\nEndnotes\nLegislation history 3\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 43\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n3 Legislation history\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000 A2000-68\nnotified 20 December 2000 (Gaz 2000 No S68)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 20 December 2000 (IA s 10B)\nremainder commenced 1 January 2001 (Gaz 2000 No S69)\nas amended by\nLegislation (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001 A2001-44 pt 413\nnotified 26 July 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 30)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 26 July 2001 (IA s 10B)\npt 413 commenced 12 September 2001 (s 2 and see Gaz 2001\nNo S65)\nLegislation Amendment Act 2002 A2002-11 pt 2.52\nnotified LR 27 May 2002\ns 1, s 2 commenced 27 May 2002 (LA s 75)\npt 2.52 commenced 28 May 2002 (s 2 (1))\nCriminal Code 2002 No 51 pt 1.28\nnotified LR 20 December 2002\ns 1, s 2 commenced 20 December 2002 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 1.28 commenced 1 January 2003 (s 2 (1))\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2003 A2003-41 sch 3 pt 3.23\nnotified LR 11 September 2003\ns 1, s 2 commenced 11 September 2003 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.23 commenced 9 October 2003 (s 2 (1))\nConstruction Occupations Legislation Amendment Act 2004\nA2004-13 sch 1 pt 1.3, sch 2 pt 2.27\nnotified LR 26 March 2004\ns 1, s 2 commenced 26 March 2004 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.3, sch 2 pt 2.27 commenced 1 September 2004 (s 2 and\nsee Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 A2004-12, s 2\nand CN2004-8)\n\nEndnotes\n3 Legislation history\npage 44 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nCriminal Code (Theft, Fraud, Bribery and Related Offences)\nAmendment Act 2004 A2004-15 sch 2 pt 2.98\nnotified LR 26 March 2004\ns 1, s 2 commenced 26 March 2004 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 2 pt 2.98 commenced 9 April 2004 (s 2 (1))\nWater and Sewerage Amendment Act 2004 A2004-67 pt 2\nnotified LR 9 September 2004\ns 1, s 2 commenced 9 September 2004 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 2 commenced 10 September 2004 (s 2)\nConstruction Occupations Legislation Amendment Act 2005\nA2005-34 sch 1 pt 1.5\nnotified LR 6 July 2005\ns 1, s 2 commenced 6 July 2005 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.5 commenced 27 July 2005 (s 2)\nConstruction Occupations Legislation Amendment Act 2006\nA2006-15 sch 1 pt 1.6\nnotified LR 6 April 2006\ns 1, s 2 commenced 6 April 2006 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.6 commenced 1 September 2006 (s 2 and CN2006-19)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2006 A2006-42 sch 3 pt 3.25\nnotified LR 26 October 2006\ns 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 12 November 2005 (LA s 75 (2))\nsch 3 pt 3.25 commenced 16 November 2006 (s 2 (1))\nACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Legislation Amendment\nAct 2008 (No 2) A2008-37 sch 1 pt 1.106\nnotified LR 4 September 2008\ns 1, s 2 commenced 4 September 2008 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.106 commenced 2 February 2009 (s 2 (1) and see ACT Civil\nand Administrative Tribunal Act 2008 A2008-35, s 2 (1) and CN2009-2)\nWater and Sewerage (Energy Efficient Hot-Water Systems)\nLegislation Amendment Act 2009 A2009-26 pt 2\nnotified LR 8 September 2009\ns 1, s 2 commenced 8 September 2009 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 2 commenced 31 January 2010 (s 2)\n\nEndnotes\nLegislation history 3\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 45\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAdministrative (One ACT Public Service Miscellaneous Amendments)\nAct 2011 A2011-22 sch 1 pt 1.172\nnotified LR 30 June 2011\ns 1, s 2 commenced 30 June 2011 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.172 commenced 1 July 2011 (s 2 (1))\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2012 A2012-21 sch 3 pt 3.55\nnotified LR 22 May 2012\ns 1, s 2 commenced 22 May 2012 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.55 commenced 5 June 2012 (s 2 (1))\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2013 A2013-19 sch 3 pt 3.51\nnotified LR 24 May 2013\ns 1, s 2 commenced 24 May 2013 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.51 commenced 14 June 2013 (s 2)\nConstruction and Energy Efficiency Legislation Amendment Act 2013\nA2013-31 pt 10\nnotified LR 26 August 2013\ns 1, s 2 commenced 26 August 2013 (LA s 75 (1))\nss 79-82, 89, 90 commenced 27 August 2013 (s 2 (3))\npt 10 remainder commenced 1 September 2013 (s 2 (1))\nPlanning and Development (University of Canberra and Other\nLeases) Legislation Amendment Act 2015 A2015-19 pt 23\nnotified LR 11 June 2015\ns 1, s 2 commenced 11 June 2015 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 23 commenced 1 July 2015 (s 2 and CN2015-9)\nRed Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2015 A2015-33\nsch 1 pt 1.74\nnotified LR 30 September 2015\ns 1, s 2 commenced 30 September 2015 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.74 commenced 14 October 2015 (s 2)\nRed Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2018 A2018-33\nsch 1 pt 1.40\nnotified LR 25 September 2018\ns 1, s 2 commenced 25 September 2018 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.40 commenced 23 October 2018 (s 2 (4))\n\nEndnotes\n3 Legislation history\npage 46 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2021 A2021-12 sch 3 pt 3.64\nnotified LR 9 June 2021\ns 1, s 2 commenced 9 June 2021 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.64 commenced 23 June 2021 (s 2 (1))\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2022 A2022-14 sch 3 pt 3.43\nnotified LR 10 August 2022\ns 1, s 2 commenced 10 August 2022 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.43 commenced 24 August 2022 (s 2)\nPlanning (Consequential Amendments) Act 2023 A2023-36 sch 1\npt 1.71\nnotified LR 29 September 2023\ns 1, s 2 commenced 29 September 2023 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.71 commenced 27 November 2023 (s 2 (1) and see\nPlanning Act 2023 A2023-18, s 2 (2) and CN2023-10)\nBuilding and Construction Legislation Amendment Act 2023\nA2023-55 pt 13\nnotified LR 11 December 2023\ns 1, s 2 commenced 11 December 2023 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 13 commenced 12 December 2023 (s 2 (4))\nBuilding and Construction Legislation Amendment Act 2025 A2025-5\npt 8\nnotified LR 31 March 2025\ns 1, s 2 commenced 31 March 2025 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 8 commenced 1 April 2025 (s 2)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2025 A2025-29 sch 3 pt 3.103, sch 4\npt 4.191\nnotified LR 6 November 2025\ns 1, s 2 commenced 6 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.103, sch 4 pt 4.191 commenced 26 November 2025 (s 2 (3),\n(9))\n\nEndnotes\nAmendment history 4\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 47\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n4 Amendment history\nDictionary\ns 2 orig s 2 om A2001-44 amdt 1.4275\n(prev s 3) renum A2003-41 amdt 3.500\nNotes\ns 3 orig s 3 am A2001-44 amdt 1.4276; A2003-41 amdt 3.499\nrenum as s 2\n(prev s 4) renum A2003-41 amdt 3.500\nom A2004-13 amdt 2.92\n(prev s 4) ins A2003-41 amdt 3.501\nrenum A2004-13 amdt 2.93\nApplication of Act to certain installations\ns 4 orig s 4 renum as s 3\nins A2003-41 amdt 3.501\nrenum as s 3 A2004-13 amdt 2.93\nins A2004-13 amdt 2.94\nAppointment of certifiers\ns 5 am A2003-41 amdt 3.502, amdt 3.503; A2004-13 amdt 2.95;\nA2023-55 s 61\nApplication for plan approval\ns 7 sub A2006-15 amdt 1.36\nIssue of plan approvals\ns 8 am A2004-13 amdts 2.96-2.98; pars renum R8 LA (see\nA2004-13 amdt 2.99); A2006-42 amdt 3.214; pars renum\nR12 LA; A2011-22 amdt 1.479; A2013-19 amdt 3.481;\nA2013-31 s 78; A2021-12 amdt 3.181; A2022-14 amdt 3.221\nIssue of plan approvals\ns 9 am A2004-13 amdt 2.100; ss renum R8 LA (see A2004-13\namdt 2.101)\nMarking approval of amendment\ns 9A ins A2004-13 amdt 2.102\nss renum R12 LA\nam A2021-12 amdt 3.181; A2022-14 amdt 3.221; A2025-29\namdt 4.194\nNotification of cessation of appointment of certifier\ns 10 am A2003-41 amdt 3.504; A2004-13 amdt 2.120;\nA2022-14 amdt 3.221\nNotice of fire sprinkler work by licensee\ns 11 sub A2004-13 amdt 2.103\nSanitary plumbers to be licensed\ns 12 om A2004-13 amdt 2.104\n\nEndnotes\n4 Amendment history\npage 48 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nHouse drainage work\ns 13 om A2004-13 amdt 2.104\nWater supply plumbers to be licensed\ns 14 om A2004-13 amdt 2.104\nNotice of water supply plumbing work by licensee\ns 15 hdg sub A2004-13 amdt 2.105\ns 15 am A2004-13 amdt 2.106, amdt 2.107; ss renum R8 LA\n(see A2004-13 amdt 2.108); A2006-15 amdt 1.37;\nA2022-14 amdt 3.222\nNotice of sanitary plumbing or drainage work by licensee\ns 16 hdg sub A2023-55 s 62\ns 16 am A2001-44 amdt 1.4277, amdt 1.4278; A2003-41\namdt 3.505; A2004-13 amdt 2.109, amdt 2.110; ss renum\nR8 LA; A2013-19 amdt 3.482, 3.483; A2021-12 amdt 3.181\nInstallation of toilets\ns 17 sub A2004-13 amdt 1.7\nWater supply and sanitary plumbing work\ns 17A ins A2004-67 s 4\nDefinitions—pt 4\ns 18 def connected ins A2003-41 amdt 3.506\ndef offence ins A2003-41 amdt 3.506\nThings connected with offences\ns 19 om A2003-41 amdt 3.507\nChief construction occupations registrar may require information and\ndocuments\ns 20 hdg am A2004-13 amdt 2.120\ns 20 am A2003-41 amdt 3.508; A2004-13 amdt 2.120, amdt 1.121\nContravention of requirement by construction occupations registrar\ns 21 hdg am A2004-13 amdt 2.120\ns 21 am A2004-13 amdt 2.120\nConstruction occupations registrar may require rectification of defective\nwork\ns 22 hdg am A2004-13 amdt 2.120\ns 22 am A2004-13 amdt 2.120, amdt 1.121; R8 LA (see A2004-13\namdt 2.121); A2013-31 s 79; ss renum R19 LA\nAppointment of inspectors\ns 23 am A2003-41 amdt 3.509; A2004-13 amdt 2.120, amdt 1.121;\nA2006-42 amdt 3.215; A2022-14 amdt 3.223\nIdentity cards\ns 24 am A2004-13 amdt 2.120\n\nEndnotes\nAmendment history 4\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 49\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nConstruction occupations registrar’s powers\ns 25 hdg am R8 LA (see A2004-13 amdt 2.120)\ns 25 am A2004-13 amdt 2.120\nDelegation—construction occupations registrar\ns 26 sub A2003-41 amdt 3.510; A2004-13 amdt 2.111\nProduction of identity card\ns 28 am A2022-14 amdt 3.223\nConsent to entry\ns 29 am A2022-14 amdt 3.223\nWarrants—application made other than in person\ns 31 am A2018-33 amdt 1.77, amdt 1.78\nPowers on entry to premises\ns 32 am A2013-31 ss 80-82; ss renum R19 LA\nPower to require name and address\ns 33 am A2022-14 amdt 3.223\nPower to seize evidence\ns 34 am R8 LA (see A2004-13 amdt 2.120)\nReturn of things seized\ns 37 am A2004-13 amdt 2.120\nPower to inspect plumbing or sanitary drainage work\ns 38 am A2022-14 amdt 3.223\nSelf-incrimination etc\ns 39 am A2002-11 amdt 2.111; A2002-51 amdt 1.58\nLegal professional privilege\ns 40 om A2002-11 amdt 2.112\nProviding false or misleading information\ns 41 om A2004-15 amdt 2.208\nProviding false or misleading documents\ns 42 om A2004-15 amdt 2.208\nObstruction\ns 43 om A2004-15 amdt 2.208\nNotification and review of decisions\npt 5 hdg sub A2008-37 amdt 1.556\nMeaning of reviewable decision—pt 5\ns 44 sub A2008-37 amdt. 1.556\nReviewable decision notices\ns 44A ins A2008-37 amdt. 1.556\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.194\n\nEndnotes\n4 Amendment history\npage 50 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nApplications for review\ns 44B ins A2008-37 amdt. 1.556\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.194\nMiscellaneous\npt 5A hdg renum as pt 7 hdg\nPlumbing code\npt 6 hdg ins A2013-31 s 83\nPlumbing code\ns 44C ins A2013-31 s 83\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.194\nRegulation under s 44C (1), def plumbing code and Legislation Act, s 47\ns 44D ins A2013-31 s 83\nPublication and availability of ACT Appendix\ns 44E ins A2013-31 s 83\nam A2015-33 amdt 1.258\nom A2025-5 s 37\nInspection of plumbing code\ns 44F ins A2013-31 s 83\nam A2022-14 amdt 3.224\nom A2025-5 s 37\nCertified copies of plumbing code\ns 44G ins A2013-31 s 83\nMiscellaneous\npt 7 hdg (prev pt 5A hdg) ins A2008-37 amdt 1.556\nrenum as pt 7 hdg A2013-31 s 85\nDetermination of fees\ns 45 sub A2001-44 amdt 1.4279\nam A2006-42 amdt 3.216; A2025-29 amdt 4.194\nMeaning of plumbing code\ns 45A ins A2009-26 s 4\n(3)-(5) exp 31 January 2011 (s 45A (5))\nss renum R15 LA\nom A2013-31 s 84\nApplying, adopting or incorporating documents in regulations\ns 46 om A2001-44 amdt 1.4280\nins A2006-15 amdt 1.38\nsub A2009-26 s 5\nom A2013-31 s 84\nins A2025-5 s 38\nam A2025-29 amdt 3.362, amdt 3.363; pars renum R29 LA\n\nEndnotes\nAmendment history 4\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 51\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nRegulations may make provision about fees\ns 47 om A2001-44 amdt 1.4280\nApproved forms\ns 48 sub A2001-44 amdt 1.4281\nam A2003-41 amdt 3.511; A2004-13 amdt 2.120; A2006-42\namdt 3.216\nom A2021-12 amdt 3.182\nRegulation-making power\ns 49 am A2001-44 amdt 1.4282, amdt 1.4283; A2004-13\namdt 2.112; A2005-34 amdt 1.52; A2025-5 s 39; ss renum\nR28 LA; A2025-29 amdt 4.194\nTransitional\npt 6 hdg exp 1 January 2002 (s 55)\nDefinitions for pt 6\ns 50 exp 1 January 2002 (s 55)\nRepeal\ns 51 om R2 (LA)\nCertifiers\ns 52 exp 1 January 2002 (s 55)\nPlan approvals\ns 53 exp 1 January 2002 (s 55)\nRegulations—transitional matters\ns 54 exp 1 January 2002 (s 55)\nExpiry of pt 6\ns 55 exp 1 January 2002 (s 55)\nDictionary\ndict am A2003-41 amdt 3.512, amdt 3.513; A2004-13 amdt 2.113;\nA2006-42 amdt 3.217; A2008-37 amdt 1.557, amdt 1.558;\nA2012-21 amdt 3.214, A2013-19 amdt 3.484\ndef ACT plumbing code ins A2009-26 s 6\nom A2013-31 s 86\ndef AS/NZS 3500 ins A2013-19 amdt 3.486\nom A2013-31 s 86\ndef Australian Standard 3500 sub A2005-34 amdt 1.53\nom A2013-19 amdt 3.485\ndef backflow prevention device ins A2004-13 amdt 2.114\ndef certifier am R12 LA\ndef connected ins A2003-41 amdt 3.514\ndef drain om A2004-13 amdt 2.115\ndef fire sprinkler service sub A2004-13 amdt 2.115\nam A2013-19 amdt 3.487; A2013-31 s 87\ndef fire sprinkler work ins A2004-13 amdt 2.115\n\nEndnotes\n4 Amendment history\npage 52 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\ndef function om A2003-41 amdt 3.515\ndef grey water ins A2004-13 amdt 2.115\ndef hot-water system ins A2004-13 amdt 2.115\ndef irrigation ins A2004-13 amdt 2.116\ndef irrigation system ins A2004-13 amdt 2.116\ndef land sublease ins A2015-19 s 148\nsub A2023-36 amdt 1.411\ndef licence sub A2004-13 amdt 2.116\ndef licence number ins A2004-13 amdt 2.116\ndef licensee ins A2004-13 amdt 2.116\ndef MP52 om A2006-15 amdt 1.39\ndef occupier ins A2003-41 amdt 3.516\ndef offence ins A2003-41 amdt 3.516\ndef owner sub A2015-19 s 149\ndef plumbing code ins A2006-15 amdt 1.40\nsub A2009-26 s 7; A2013-31 s 88\ndef reasonably believes ins A2003-41 amdt 3.516\ndef reviewable decision ins A2008-37 amdt 1.559\ndef sanitary drain ins A2004-13 amdt 1.8\nam A2006-15 amdt 1.41; A2013-31 s 89\ndef sanitary drainage work ins A2004-13 amdt 2.117\ndef sanitary plumbing ins A2004-13 amdt 1.8\ndef sanitary plumbing work ins A2004-13 amdt 2.117\ndef sewage ins A2004-13 amdt 2.118\ndef sewer om A2004-13 amdt 2.118\ndef site plan am A2013-19 amdt 3.488\ndef stormwater ins A2004-13 amdt 2.119\ndef this Act om A2003-41 amdt 3.517\ndef water appliance ins A2004-13 amdt 2.119\ndef water network sub A2004-13 amdt 2.119\ndef water service ins A2004-13 amdt 2.119\nam A2006-15 amdt 1.42; A2013-31 s 90\ndef water supply plumbing work ins A2004-13 amdt 2.119\n\nEndnotes\nEarlier republications 5\nR29\n26/11/25\nWater and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 53\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n5 Earlier republications\nSome earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to\nthe publication order.\nSince 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in\nelectronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised\nrepublications have also been published in printed format. These republications are\nmarked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an\nauthorised republication are identical.\nRepublication No Amendments to Republication date\n1 not amended 24 May 2001\n2 A2001-44 12 September 2001\n3 A2001-44 10 January 2002\n4 A2002-11 30 May 2002\n5 A2002-51 1 January 2003\n6 A2003-41 9 October 2003\n7 A2004-15 9 April 2004\n8 A2004-15 1 September 2004\n9 A2004-67 10 September 2004\n10 A2005-34 27 July 2005\n11 A2006-15 1 September 2006\n12 A2006-42 16 November 2006\n13 A2008-37 2 February 2009\n14 A2009-26 31 January 2010\n15 A2009-26 1 February 2011\n16 A2011-22 1 July 2011\n17 A2012-21 5 June 2012\n18 A2013-19 14 June 2013\n19 A2013-31 27 August 2013\n20 A2013-31 1 September 2013\n21 A2015-19 1 July 2015\n22 A2015-33 14 October 2015\n\nEndnotes\n5 Earlier republications\npage 54 Water and Sewerage Act 2000\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR29\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nRepublication No Amendments to Republication date\n23 A2018-33 23 October 2018\n24 A2021-12 23 June 2021\n25 A2022-14 24 August 2022\n26 A2023-36 27 November 2023\n27 A2023-55 12 December 2023\n28 A2025-5 1 April 2025\n© Australian Capital Territory 2025","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act's operative scope has expanded since the original enactment. The text now formalises the adoption of the Plumbing Code of Australia and an ACT Appendix as the technical standard (s 44C–44G), establishes a detailed certifier and plan approval regime (s 5, s 7–9, s 9A), increases administrative and enforcement powers for the construction occupations registrar and inspectors (s 20–26, s 27–36), and enables regulations to apply external standards as in force from time to time (s 44D, s 46). The amendment history in the Act's endnotes records multiple insertions and replacements (for example s 44C was inserted by A2013‑31), indicating a substantive widening and technical consolidation of the Act's coverage compared with its original, more basic regulatory framing (see s 1 and the endnotes)."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross‑references to external instruments and other Acts (Plumbing Code of Australia, Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, Utilities Act 2000, Legislation Act) (s 44C, s 44D; dictionary entries)","Multiple delegated instruments and discretion (Minister may make an ACT Appendix; regulations may adopt standards as in force; fees and technical rules set by regulation) (s 44C(3), s 44D(2)–(3), s 46, s 45, s 49)","Layered administrative processes (certifier appointment, plan approval, utility approvals, notifications to registrar, minor works notices) with formal marking, filing and time limits (s 5, s 7–9, s 8(5), s 9A, s 10, s 15, s 16)","Detailed enforcement regime with warrants, consent entry, seizure, evidence handling, and debt recovery for remedial work (s 27–36, s 22(5)–(6), s 37)","Mixture of strict liability and ordinary offences with varied penalties and procedural protections (s 15(6), s 16(2), s 17(2), s 39)","Comprehensive definitions that determine scope (sanitary plumbing vs sanitary drainage vs water service vs water appliance etc.) spread through dictionary (Dictionary)","Significant amendment history and periodic updates incorporated by reference, producing a dynamic substantive rule set (endnotes and s 44C–44D)"],"plain_english_summary":"### What this law does, in plain terms\n\nThis Act sets out the rules for planning, carrying out, inspecting and enforcing plumbing and sanitary drainage work in the Australian Capital Territory. It tells owners, licensed tradespeople, certifiers and the regulator what steps must be taken before and during plumbing or sanitary drainage work, what paperwork must be kept and notified, what approvals are required from utilities, and what powers inspectors and the construction occupations registrar have to check and fix non‑compliant work.\n\nMechanically, the Act requires and structures the following main processes:\n\n- Plan approvals and certifiers: Owners must appoint a plumbing plan certifier for most non‑minor work (s 5). A certifier must not approve plans unless required approvals from the relevant utility (for e.g. sewer or water connection changes, increased loads, fire services, pumping appliances, or disposal of non‑domestic or radioactive wastes) are in place (s 8(1)). When plans are approved the certifier must mark and initial the plans and give copies to the applicant and the construction occupations registrar (s 8(3)–(5), s 9A(1)–(3)). Contracts cannot lawfully override these Act requirements in relation to certifiers (s 6).\n\n- Notices and licensing duties for tradespeople: Licensed plumbers, drainers and fire sprinkler practitioners (licensees) must notify the construction occupations registrar before starting certain services (s 11, s 15, s 16). There are special rules for minor works notices and for who may supervise minor work (s 16(1)–(7)). Some offences are strict liability (s 15(6), s 16(2), s 17(2), s 17A(2)). Penalties are prescribed in the Act.\n\n- Inspection and enforcement powers: The construction occupations registrar can require information and documents (s 20) and can direct rectification of defective work; owners must arrange and pay for rectification if they lack the required licence or skill (s 22(2)–(6)). The registrar may appoint inspectors who carry identity cards (s 23–24), who can enter premises with consent, at reasonable times for non‑residential connected premises, or under warrant (s 27–31), and who can inspect, photograph, copy documents, require help, order tests, seize evidence and give written directions to remedy non‑compliance (s 32–35). If the registrar arranges rectification the reasonable expenses are a debt due by the owner to the Territory (s 22(6)).\n\n- Rules in the plumbing code: The Act adopts the plumbing code conceptually by reference to the Plumbing Code of Australia as varied for the ACT and allows the Minister to make an ACT Appendix; the code and any regulations under the Act set technical standards that must be met (s 44C–44G). The Act also permits regulations to adopt standards or other instruments as in force from time to time (s 46, s 44D).\n\n- Decision review and consultation: Decisions that are \"reviewable\" (as prescribed by regulation) must be notified and can be reviewed by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) (s 44, s 44A, s 44B).\n\n- Regulation and fees: The Executive may make detailed regulations covering certification, inspection, materials approval, notification, offences and fees (s 49, s 45). Regulations may prescribe offences (up to 10 penalty units) for contraventions of regulation.\n\nWhy it matters (official purpose claims and a quick test of trade‑offs)\n\n- Official purpose claim: The Act is designed to regulate the supply of plumbing and sanitary drainage services so that work is done to standard, utilities and health authorities can control discharges and connections, and public health, property and the environment are protected (see the Act title and requirements for utility and health approvals (s 1; s 8(1); s 8(5)(b))).\n\n- Costs and who pays: Owners and licensees bear most direct compliance costs. Owners pay for certifiers (s 5), for plan changes when required (s 9), and must pay for rectification directed by inspectors or arranged by the registrar (s 22(4)–(6)). Licensees bear notification and certification costs and face penalties for non‑compliance (s 11, s 15, s 16, s 17, s 17A).\n\n- Incentives and behavioural effects: The Act creates incentives to use licensed practitioners and certified materials (definitions and cross‑reference to licensing laws; s 15(3) requires certification under the plumbing code). Because some requirements do not apply to very small jobs or single residential buildings (s 5(2), s 16(6)–(7)), there is a built‑in incentive to structure work under those thresholds to avoid plan or certifier obligations.\n\n- Bureaucratic discretion and implementation risk: The construction occupations registrar and inspectors are given broad powers to require documents, inspect, enter premises (with consent or warrant), issue directions and recover costs (s 20, s 23, s 27–32, s 22(5)–(6)). The Act also depends on instruments made outside the Act (the Plumbing Code of Australia and other standards) being adopted or referenced by regulation and instrument, which shifts the detailed technical content to those instruments (s 44C–44D, s 46). That delegation concentrates operational discretion in the registrar, the Minister (for Appendix), and in regulations.\n\n- Compliance burden and market effects: The certifier and notification regime creates administrative steps (plan approvals, marking, filing with the registrar, notices) that add transaction costs to building and maintenance projects (s 8(3)–(5), s 9A(3), s 10, s 15, s 16). Licensed practitioners gain demand for their regulatory services; owners and small operators face the time and cost of meeting approval and inspection requirements. Standards that apply \"as in force from time to time\" (s 44D, s 46) can change the technical requirements without amending the Act itself, affecting cost predictability.\n\n- Trade‑offs and substitution: The Act trades off simplified national technical content (by adopting the Plumbing Code of Australia) for local enforceability and the need for owners/licensees to track changes in those external standards. The dollar thresholds and exceptions (e.g. $1,000 thresholds, single residential building exemption) create substitution effects where project scope may be split to fall outside regulation (s 5(2)(d), s 16(6)–(7)).\n\n- Enforcement and remedies: The Act provides coercive enforcement tools (entry, seizure, directions, penalties) and a route for owners and affected persons to seek review of prescribed decisions at ACAT (s 32, s 34–37, s 44B). Costs incurred by the Territory in remedying non‑compliance are recoverable from owners (s 22(6)).\n\nPractical upshot: the Act centralises technical compliance with plumbing standards through certifiers, utility approvals and an inspector/registrar enforcement framework, while delegating the detailed technical rules to the Plumbing Code of Australia and regulations. Key decision‑makers under the Act are certifiers, the construction occupations registrar and inspectors; key payers for compliance are owners and licensed practitioners (see s 5, s 8, s 20–22, s 23, s 45)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation has expanded significantly beyond its original 2000 scope. Originally focused on basic licensing and plan approvals, the Act now incorporates: (1) the Plumbing Code of Australia framework (added 2013); (2) energy efficiency requirements for hot-water systems (2009, since expired); (3) complex enforcement powers including warrant procedures and evidence seizure (substantially expanded 2003-2004); (4) detailed notification regimes for different licence classes; and (5) grey water and irrigation system regulation. The 2023 amendments added 'minor works' thresholds and updated definitions, while 2025 amendments further refined document incorporation powers. The Act has evolved from a simple plumbing licensing statute into a comprehensive technical and enforcement framework."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple overlapping regulatory frameworks: the Act incorporates the Plumbing Code of Australia (external document), the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, and the Utilities Act 2000 by reference","Nested exceptions and thresholds: Section 5 contains 4 separate exemptions from certifier appointment requirements (single residential building, small pipes <$50mm, basic maintenance, cost <$1,000)","Conditional notification requirements in Part 3: Different notice periods apply depending on work type (fire sprinklers vs water supply vs sanitary plumbing), with further exceptions for 'minor works' under $1,000","Cross-referenced enforcement powers: Part 4 enforcement provisions depend on definitions in section 18 and interact with the Legislation Act 2001 regarding appointments, delegations, and warrants","Dynamic incorporation of standards: Section 44C and 46 allow adoption of Australian Standards and other instruments 'as in force from time to time', creating moving regulatory targets","21 defined terms in the Dictionary, several with complex nested definitions (e.g., 'sanitary drain' has 2 paragraphs with 2 sub-paragraphs and 2 further exclusions)","Multiple entry powers with different conditions: Section 27 provides 3 distinct entry pathways (consent, commercial premises without warrant, warrant), each with different procedural requirements","Self-incrimination provisions (s 39) with carve-outs for falsity offences, creating evidentiary complexity"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this law does:**\n\nThis is the ACT's **Water and Sewerage Act 2000**. It sets the rules for plumbing and drainage work in the Australian Capital Territory—essentially making sure water gets to your taps safely and sewage leaves your property without making anyone sick or damaging the environment.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n- **Homeowners and property owners** – must appoint certified \"plan certifiers\" for most plumbing/drainage projects (with exceptions for simple jobs like replacing taps or small residential buildings)\n- **Licensed plumbers and drainers** – must notify the Construction Occupations Registrar before starting work, follow the Plumbing Code of Australia, and comply with inspection directions\n- **Certifiers** – licensed professionals who approve plumbing plans before work begins\n- **Utilities** (like Icon Water) – must approve connections to water and sewer networks\n- **Inspectors** – government officers who can enter properties to check compliance\n\n**Key things the law covers:**\n\n- **Plan approvals** – Most plumbing/drainage work needs pre-approval from a certifier, who checks that plans meet technical standards and have utility approval for network connections\n- **Notification requirements** – Plumbers must give 2 days' notice before starting most jobs (or within 7 days for minor works)\n- **Standards** – All work must comply with the **Plumbing Code of Australia** (including ACT-specific variations)\n- **Enforcement** – Inspectors can enter premises (with consent, warrant, or for commercial properties), seize evidence, issue rectification orders, and require information\n- **Offences** – Penalties up to 50 penalty units (currently $8,000 for individuals) for serious breaches like doing unlicensed work or obstructing inspectors\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThis law protects public health and safety by ensuring plumbing work is done properly—preventing contaminated drinking water, sewage leaks, and environmental damage. It also maintains the integrity of the ACT's water and sewerage infrastructure."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/water-and-sewerage-act-2000","history":"/api/acts/water-and-sewerage-act-2000/history","analysis":"/api/acts/water-and-sewerage-act-2000/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/water-and-sewerage-act-2000/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/water-and-sewerage-act-2000/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/water-and-sewerage-act-2000/documents"}}