Compliance overview
In South Australia, stormwater systems must satisfy national standards, state plumbing regulations, and local council policies. The goal is safer properties and resilient public infrastructure that can handle peak rain events.
Work should be completed and certified by a licensed plumber/drainer who understands this framework.
AS/NZS 3500.3 — the essentials
AS/NZS 3500.3 (Stormwater Drainage) sets minimum requirements for how systems are designed, installed and maintained. Key elements include:
- Sizing & gradients: pipes must maintain self-cleansing velocities to avoid sediment build-up.
- Materials: approved products (e.g., PVC-U, polypropylene, concrete) selected for soil, load and exposure.
- Access points: inspection openings and pits at strategic locations for maintenance.
- Surface drainage: grates, channels and pits positioned to intercept runoff from hardstand areas.
- Discharge: safe connection to a lawful point or engineered on-site disposal (e.g., soakage) with overflow paths.
Council rules & lawful point of discharge (LPOD)
Adelaide councils assess drainage in development applications and specify your property’s LPOD (lawful point of discharge). Typical requirements:
- Submit a stormwater management plan showing pipe sizes, pit locations and discharge point.
- Connect to street water table/council pit where available; otherwise provide on-site detention or soakage.
- Provide overland flow paths so extreme rainfall does not backflow into buildings.
- Observe works in verge/road permit conditions for kerb drilling, reinstatement and safety.
SA Water & state regulation
Significant drainage upgrades or connections that interact with SA Water assets may require additional approvals. The Plumbing Regulations 2015 and the National Construction Code (NCC, Vol. 3) form the legal basis for hydraulic work in SA. Only licensed contractors registered with the Office of the Technical Regulator may legally install and certify stormwater systems.
Common compliance issues in Adelaide
- Insufficient fall or undersized pipes that surcharge during storms.
- Unapproved kerb connections or discharging onto neighbouring land.
- Old earthenware with root intrusion and no access points for maintenance.
- Non-compliant materials or fittings used under traffic loads.
We rectify these by re-sizing lines, adding pits/IOs, upgrading to PVC and coordinating approvals.
Certification & documentation
Upon completion, your licensed plumber issues a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) confirming the installation meets applicable standards and approvals. Keep the CoC with your building records—buyers, insurers and strata managers often request it.
How we ensure compliance
- Design & installation to AS/NZS 3500.3 and NCC Vol. 3.
- Coordination with council for LPOD, verge works and inspections.
- Where relevant, liaising with SA Water for asset protection and approvals.
- Documented handover: as-built notes, maintenance guidance and CoC.
Why compliance matters
- Protects foundations, paving and landscaped areas from flood and erosion.
- Reduces risk of council enforcement or neighbour disputes.
- Supports insurance and future property resale.
FAQs
Do small repairs need approval?
Minor like-for-like repairs may not, but anything involving new connections, kerb works, or layout changes often does. We can advise after site assessment.
What if the council main is too high?
We may design an on-site detention/soakage system or (where appropriate) a pumped sump solution, with council agreement.
Can I connect to a neighbour’s line?
Only with legal rights and council approval. Unauthorised connections are a common cause of disputes and rectification orders.
Need help with approvals or compliance?
We design, install and certify compliant stormwater systems across Adelaide.