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A Unitywater Water Search identifies the balance on a property's account, including any credits or outstanding water and sewerage charges, and is normally requested by the buyer’s conveyancer as part of a property sale. 
 
It ensures the buyer is aware of any credits on the account or charges owing on the property, as these will transfer to them as soon as the sale of the property is complete. Read on for more information about the Water Search Certificate or request a water search online through My Account. Log in or Register for My Account to request a Water Search.
Request a Water Search Online

Trade Waste Search

We recommended you order a Trade Waste Search if you are buying or starting a business that generates trade waste. Trade waste includes liquid waste such as grease, oils and chemicals
More about Trade Waste Searches

Trade Waste Permit

A Trade Waste Permit is also required if you are purchasing or starting a business that produces trade waste.
More about Trade Waste Permit

What is a Water Search Certificate?

A Unitywater Water Search Certificate provides details of:

  • a meter reading (if the property has a water meter)

  • available and/or connected water and sewerage services

  • outstanding water supply and sewerage charges

  • any credit balance on the account (if applicable)

  • interest on outstanding charges (if applicable)

  • encumbrances, such as capital contributions (if applicable)

  • recoverable debt due to sale of property (if applicable).

Conveyancing solicitor using settlement calculator on desktop computer

How to request a Water Search Certificate

The quickest way to request a Water Search Certificate is online in My Account where you can submit your request and pay for your application. Payments can be made via credit card or on a 14-day account if you’re pre-registered.

Order Water Search in My Account

Description 2025-26 price
Search on unimproved land (no meter) $88.00
Search on developed land (with meter) $176.00

You’ll receive your Water Search Certificate within 10 working days of requesting it. If you are unable to access My Account, you can order one through our online form.

Search meter read 

When a Water Search Certificate is requested for metered properties. Unitywater will take a search meter read to record the water usage at the property since the last billing date. Usage charges up to the search meter read date will be specified on the Water Search Certificate.

Please note: If your search application is lodged within 5 business days of the property's normal meter read then we may use this reading to produce the search certificate.  This allows us to process your search in the shortest time possible.

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