Registered water carters are authorised to take and transport drinking water from our hydrants and standpipes.
Emergency services and registered water carters can use water from our hydrants for various purposes, including dust suppression, domestic drinking water, firefighting, external pressure cleaning and construction.
Before you apply
Before you apply for a hydrant permit, you need to complete some important tasks. These tasks ensure your safety as well as the operation of important infrastructure.
Check that there is an appropriate backflow prevention device on your vehicle. This can be an air-gap or reduced pressure zone (RPZ) device.
Learn how to safely draw water from our hydrants on the Becoming a drinking water carter page. You'll need this information to answer the questions in the hydrant permit user card test.
When you've completed the tasks above, you can submit your application to become a registered water carter with us. We usually need at least 10 business days to process applications.
We've simplified billing and permit processes for water carters. These changes prioritise safety and align permit requirements for both drinking and recycled water carters working across our service region. Here’s what’s changed.
Accounts and permits
You'll receive a new account number and permit number. If you currently have multiple account numbers and receive multiple invoices from us, we'll combine all charges into one invoice, on one account.
There's no more permit expiry dates and annual fees. Your permit will remain active until you request to cancel. If you decide to cancel, you'll need to give us 14 days’ written notice.
If you were previously required to display a truck sticker, you aren’t anymore. Ensure you carry a copy of your permit letter in the truck, as we perform routine spot checks.
You're required to submit log sheets between the first and fifth day of each month, even if your usage was nil, to avoid a non-conformance fee (currently $82.22 per truck). Send log sheets to bulkwater@gww.com.au.
New hydrant user application process
We no longer accept paper applications for truck permits and switching to our applications and booking hub, Property Plus.
If you've used Property Plus before but logged in as a guest, you'll need to register to use it. We'll then send you a customer ID, which you'll use to apply for new truck permits.
Training is for all new hydrant users. Permit holders are accountable for any damage that may result from insufficient training. Read Becoming a drinking water carter and take the hydrant user permit questionnaire.
Annual backflow reports
Backflow reports are due every 12 months. Regular backflow testing and reporting ensures the safety of our community's water supply. Failure to send your annual backflow report will result in the cancellation of your permit.
