A lateral is the private connection from a building to the public main. This pipe is
owned by the property owner. Therefore the property owner is responsible for the
maintenance or renewal of that asset.
A properly constructed and maintained pipe is designed to withstand normal tree root
and traffic loadings. As owners of the laterals it is the responsibility of property owners
to ensure that their pipes are in sound condition.
As pipes reach the end of their life, their structural condition is likely to decrease and be
affected by tree roots and traffic loadings. In these cases, the cause of the damage is not
the tree root and traffic loadings, but the age of the pipe.
Trees and root blockages
It is recognised that tree root blockages can raise issues. If a pipe is well constructed and
maintained, then it is particularly unlikely for tree roots to cause damage to pipes in the
first instance. However, once structural damage has occurred (normally due to the poor
condition of a pipe) tree roots can cause blockages and exacerbate the extent of the
damage.
In recognition of the complexity of these issues Council will pay once only for
unblocking a lateral if the blockage is due to the roots of a tree on road reserve. Where
a blockage occurs, the property owner will be advised that a structural repair is required
to the pipe and that they are responsible for ensuring that this happens at their cost and
in accordance with the normal Council’s specifications (which ensure that the
replacement pipe, or repair, is of a standard that must withstand damage from tree
roots). If the property owner does not carry out the repair (or partial pipe relay), or does
not carry out the works to the required specification and the blockage reoccurs, any
future costs (both for tree root removal and for structural repairs) will be the
responsibility of the property owner.
Trees will normally take priority. If in the opinion of Council’s Parks and Gardens
Unit, the tree is not a “significant” tree, it may be removed. Out of caution, Council
staff will continue to ensure that future trees are planted in locations where they avoid
the existing pipes. Council’s BCLS staff will also ensure that private pipe locations are
sensible.
Utility operators
No changes are proposed and utility operators will continue to be required to pay for
repairs carried out as a result of their work.