Water meter drawings

The Council of the City of Gold Coast (the City) standard water meter drawing set for DN50 and larger water meters has recently been replaced by the (South East Queensland) SEQ Water Supply Code ’Large Meter Arrangement Drawings’ set.

We acknowledge that there is some confusion with the new drawing set and is making the clarifications outlined below.

Our drawing set now only includes specifications for meters sizes DN20, DN25 and DN40 in ground (in verge) whilst the SEQ Code drawings provide the specifications for DN40 above ground on lot meters and all water meters DN50 and larger (above ground on lot). Any water meter design submitted to the City for assessment must reflect the current version of the applicable drawings.

The City permits a maximum of two (2) meters to be vertically stacked with the upper pipe as the dedicated fire meter (where a fire meter is required) – design of this outcome would be based on the withdrawn City drawing 11-154 for this arrangement until the SEQ drawing set is updated.

Additionally, until the SEQ Code drawing set is updated to include further information, the lengths of the assemblies are detailed below. These lengths are provided to assist designers to incorporate the meters into the layout of the development.

We strongly recommend these spatial requirements are demonstrated (via scaled dimensions) in development applications (i.e. proposed plans) to ensure the meters are suitably accommodated in the development design. Consideration will need to be given to the pipe/fittings beyond the Council meter assembly and how that private infrastructure will interface with the built form of the development.

Design considerations

• Easements to encompass water meter assemblies are no longer required.
• The meter assemblies are permitted to be parallel to the front property boundary.
• Council does not provide advice on the size of a water meter required for a development - the developer is responsible for installing an appropriately sized water meter.
• The SEQ Code drawings include several notes throughout the drawing set – it is important to read all notes and ensure the correct water meter type / sizes are included for the development.
• The lengths above are based on a water meter assembly for a development site with a built to boundary basement.
• The City does not permit water meters installed within basements.
• If a development is approved for a built to boundary basement, the development permit conditions will include that a flange is installed at ~300mm off the property boundary (verge side) and the pipe from this flange to the first valve above ground is private infrastructure. The City will then own the valve to the downstream short pipe.
• The civil consultant must ensure to provide details for the fittings for the transition between material types before the pipes go above ground. For example, if a PE road crossing service is proposed, details of all fittings required for the change in material must be nominated on the design drawings.
• The City requires a minimum of 2.4m vertical clearance from the finished surface level to the underside of any cabinet/built from above the meter assembly. Alternatively, a hinged lid (minimum 300mm above the meter assembly) is permitted, however the lid must be light enough to be lifted by a single person and able to be secured open.
• Removable bollards may be required for any water meter assemblies adjacent to a driveway to prevent vehicle strikes.

References

1. Meter size DN40 (above ground) and all water meters DN50 and larger

2. SEQ Water Supply Code – Large Meter Arrangement Drawings