Water Story

In which the author describes the process for obtaining a permit from the water authority.

On Monday night The Master's requested that I obtain a permit from the local water authority.

As I understand it, to complete his/her work and put mountains of dirt back over the in-ground pipes so they can never been seen by human eyes again the plumber requires that his/her work be cited and approved by an appropriately authorised inspector. To book an inspector to inspect requires the plumber to have a permit number that the inspector can approve against. This permit number authorises the plumber to modify the local sewer connection; tinker with the water authorities assets.

A quick phone call to the water authority on Tuesday morning and I am told which form needs to be completed, how to submit it and how much it will cost. I am told it will take 3-4 weeks to approve.

Not good, the plumber wants it all wrapped up by the end of the week so he can cover the big-ass trench he created and not leave obvious OH&S issues at the job site.

"Err, any chance that can be processed quicker?"
"Hold a moment."
<Hold>
"If you go to one of the easyAccess shops they should be able to do it faster. There is one in Coburg and one in Preston."
"Thank you."

Download and complete the form. Attach the plans.

The easyAccess shop is part of a plumbing goods store in Preston. Like all god plumbers the store opens at 7am. The Shadow and I arise early on Wednesday morning and head to the shop before work.

"I've got this form I'd like processed."
"Ok, I'll do it now," a very helpful water authority rep says.

Five minutes later I am on my way with an approved permit sitting in my Inbox, along with the sewer and water connections for the street. The permit is sent on to the plumber and he books the inspector to inspect the next day (Thursday). When I saw the plumber Thursday morning he was waiting for the inspector, 24 hours after getting the approval; less than 36 hours after initially being told it would be 3-4 weeks.

I assume (I havent been back to check) I no longer have a trench in my backyard and that no more Level 4 kaiju's will be entering this dimension from my backyard. There is always a downside to every success story - I love those guys.

Another interesting experience.