Practitioner's Guidelines Revision (March 2017)

Arrangement for Private Developers/Housing Authority/Architectural Services Department to employ their own contractors to carry out drainage or water supply connection works or construction of run-in and reconstruction of damaged footways in conjunction with private development/housing development/ArchSD's projects

1. Situation in which this arrangement may be allowed

1.1 Private development

Government may allow a developer¹ to employ his own contractor to carry out drainage or water supply connections works or construction of run-in and reconstruction of damaged footways adjoining the development provided that the developer agrees to comply with the following conditions. However, the developer will not be allowed to make the actual tee connection to Water Supplies Department (WSD) mains which should only be carried out by WSD.

1. The work of private development shall be arranged, managed and supervised by the developer or his Authorized Person (AP) on his behalf where appropriate.
2. For works involving excavation on carriageway, the developer shall employ contractors approved by Government for the works. Contractors on the List of Approved Contractors for Public Works in Group A, B or C for Road & Drainage works are considered to be approved contractors for the drainage connection and run-in/footway work. Similarly, contractors on the same List in Group A, B or C for Waterworks are considered to be approved contractors for the water supply connection work. For drainage, run-in construction or footway repair works not involving any excavation on carriageway, the developer may employ contractors who are not on the List of Approved Contractors for Public Works to carry out the works. For water supply connection works not involving any excavation on carriageway, the developer may employ Licensed Plumbers to carry out the works.
3. The developer shall pay Government the costs in association with the technical audit for the works (the audit fee, see Annex 1), in addition to the standard connection charge for water supply connection works.
4. The AP shall supervise the drainage connection works to ensure they comply with approved plans and Drainage Services Department (DSD) standards. The run-in and footway reconstruction works shall be carried out in accordance with the latest versions of Highways Department (HyD) Standard Drawings, in particular drawing nos. H1104, H1113, H1114, H1115, H1116, H1117, H1118, H1119, H1120, H1127, H1128, H1129, H1130 and H1131, and General Specification for Civil Engineering Works (GS), published by the Government of the Hong Kong SAR, in particular Section 9 on carriageways: sub-base material and bituminous materials, Section 10 on concrete carriageways, and Section 11, Parts 5 to 7 on construction of footways and paved areas. The water supply connection works shall be carried out in accordance with paragraphs 3.3 and Section 22 of the General Specification (GS) for Civil Engineering Works which can also be downloaded from http://www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/publications/standards_handbooks_cost/stan_gs.html
5. The developer shall apply for and obtain an Excavation Permit² (XP) under section 10C of the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance from HyD and Lands Department (LandsD) where appropriate before commencement of the works. HyD will issue XP to the developer, the permittee, for public streets and LandsD will issue XP to the permittee for unallocated government land other than public streets. The Conditions of Permit shall be complied with.
6. As laying paving blocks demands a higher standard of workmanship than the use of concrete for run-in and footpath, the developer shall employ contractors on the List of Approved Contractors for Public Works in Group A, B or C in Roads and Drainage category to carry out the construction of run-in and footpath that involves the use of paving blocks.

1.2 Housing Authority's projects and Architectural Services Department's projects

With effect from 1 July 1999, Housing Department (HD) and Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) shall undertake to carry out the drainage or water supply connection works or construction of run-in and reconstruction of damaged footways within the immediate vicinity of their development. Guidelines setting out the extent of connection works and the extent of run-in/footway works to be undertaken by HD's or ArchSD's contractors are appended at Annex 6. The conditions described in paragraph 1.1 above shall apply to HD and ArchSD except the following:

1. The developer referred herein shall mean the Housing Authority or the Government for Housing Authority's development or ArchSD's projects respectively. Instead of representing by AP, HD could be represented by Contract Manager of the development whereas ArchSD could be represented by Architect of the project. For simplicity, the AP in this Practitioner's Guidelines shall also mean the Contract Manager of HD for Housing Authority's development or the Architect of the project for ArchSD's projects.
2. HD is required to pay for the audit fee in association with the technical audit for the works.
3. 1. For public streets maintained by HyD
      The developer shall obtain an Excavation Permit (XP) under section 10C of the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance from HyD before commencement of the works in public streets. The developer shall justify the necessity of the works in his submission of the XP application. When there is no nominated permittee for an XP, the permittee shall comply with the conditions of the XP. When there is nominated permittee for an XP, the permittee and the Contractor, being his nominated permitee, shall comply with the conditions of the XP. The permitee and his nominated permittee shall be responsible for rectifying defects found during the 12-month defects liability period commencing from the handing over of the works to the Government.
   2. For unallocated Government land other than public streets
      The contractor shall obtain an Excavation Permit (XP) under section 10C of the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance from LandsD before commencement of the works in unallocated Government land other than public streets. The contractor shall justify the necessity of the works with written support from the developer in his submission of the XP application. When there is no nominated permittee for an XP, the permittee shall comply with the conditions of the XP. When there is nominated permittee for an XP, the permittee and the Contractor, being his nominated permitee, shall comply with the conditions of the XP. The permitee and his nominated permittee shall be responsible for rectifying defects found during the 12-month defects liability period commencing from the handing over of the works to the Government.

2. Procedures

Flow charts showing a summary of the procedures to be followed for each type of the works are given in Annex 2 for reference. A detailed description of the procedures is given below. The developer may apply for one XP for his works within the proposed excavated area, through the Excavation Permit Management System (XPMS) or by hardcopy submission. The simplified guidelines for XP application is shown on HyD's website: https://www.hyd.gov.hk/en/technical_references/technical_document/xppm/related_documents/simplified_guidelines/index.html. Upon receiving a XP application with the prescribed fee, HyD shall complete processing³ of it and issue the XP to the developer within 5 working days (for XPMS application and by e-payment) or 17 working days (by hardcopy submission). Before carrying out any type of the works on site, the developer or his AP should conduct utilities circulation⁴ and seek comments from Transport Department and Traffic Police, and comments from other government departments if necessary, etc. In case resolution of conflicting views between these parties is needed, DSD, HyD and WSD will provide contact and necessary support to the AP at the regional chief engineer level. The developer/AP shall follow the Advance Notification (AN) requirement stipulated in the conditions of XP for the commencement of works. If defects are found during the 12-month defects liability period after completion of works, Government will request the AP to carry out remedial works unless the AP can prove conclusively that the defect was caused by a third party.

2.1 Drainage connection works

Step 1	For developments controlled under the Buildings Ordinance, the drainage connection plans and details should preferably be incorporated into drainage plans and submitted to the Building Authority for approval. For Housing Authority's development, ArchSD's projects and other developments, the connection plans and details shall be submitted to DSD for approval, prior to application for an XP. During execution of the works, if amendments to the works outside the lot are required, the developer/AP should submit the proposed details to DSD for approval. Minor amendments can be agreed with DSD staff on site.
Step 2	The AP or owner/developer/ contractor shall apply for an XP from HyD or LandsD.
Step 3	The AP or owner/developer shall submit a Form HBP1 (attached at Annex 4 ) at least 14 days before the technical audit by DSD. The audit shall be conducted when all works for the drainage connections are completed and ready for handing over to DSD.
Step 4	DSD will conduct handing over inspection within 14 days from receipt of technical audit application, or on an agreed date with the AP or owner/developer if the drainage connections work is not available for inspection within the abovementioned period.
Step 5	The AP shall provide records of material quality, acceptance tests and colour closed circuit television survey result to show the satisfactory condition of the drainage connection works to DSD
Step 6	The AP shall submit to DSD as-built record drawings as soon as possible before DSD issue the satisfaction letter. The drainage works beyond the lot boundary and in public roads shall be handed over to DSD for maintenance upon completion.
Step 7	A 12-month defects liability period will commence upon satisfactory hand-over of the works to DSD. Any defects found during this period shall be rectified by the AP, owner or developer to the satisfaction of DSD.

2.2 Run-in construction and footway reconstruction works

2.3 Water supply connection works

	Action to be taken	By
Step 1	Consult WSD for the location of supply connection when enquiring on water availability.	Developer/AP
Step 2	Submit to WSD for approval a Form HBP1 (attached at Annex 4 ) letter to employ contractor (name to be given) to carry out the works outside the lot enclosed with the followings: (Note: Submission of Form HPB1 letter to WD may be made at the same time when building plan is submitted to Building Department.) a plan showing the alignment of proposed connection main; the inside/fire services works proposal; and completed form WWO 542 (attached at Annex 5 ). (This submission should be given to WSD at least 3 months5 before the date scheduled for making tee connection described in Step 7.)	Developer/AP
Step 3	Issue to the Developer/AP an approval letter and a D/N within 20 working days for payment of connection charge and additional audit check fee.	WSD
Step 4	Settle the D/N and send a copy of the receipt to WSD.	Developer
Step 5	Apply to HyD for a XP for execution of supply connection works by his AP’s contractor and the tee connection works by WSD's contractor.	Developer
Step 6	Excavate at the proposed tee connection point to expose the existing supply main and notify WSD (via the AP) by fax at least 7 working days in advance to inspect the exposed main. WSD will normally inspect the exposed main within 7 working days upon receipt of the fax requesting for the inspection.	AP's contractor
Step 7	Apply for any necessary Construction Noise Permit, serve necessary prior notice to affected consumers, provide the connection tee including the tee valve and valve pit within 15 working days after the supply main is exposed.	WSD
Step 8	Lay and extend the connection main into the lot (The pipe should be terminated at an appropriate location and capped at the end to prepare for 'pick-up' connection under Step 11(b)). Notify WSD (via the AP) to inspect jointly with the AP the completed pipeline before backfilling. WSD will normally inspect jointly with the AP within 2 working days upon receipt of the notice for the inspection. Backfill the completed pipeline (AP will be required to provide compaction test results for WSD's checking). In the presence of WSD staff and AP, carry out pressure test, in accordance with Clause 22.81 of the G.S., after the fill material has been deposited and compacted over the complete length of the pipeline; clean and sterilise the connection main; and pick up the connection with the tee valve outside the lot. Carry out permanent road reinstatement, including the area around the connection tee, to the satisfaction of HyD. Notify WSD (via the AP) to inspect jointly with the AP the connection tee valve pit6.	AP's contractor
Step 9	Submit to WSD as-built record drawing showing the alignment and level of connection main within 2 weeks of completion of pipeworks.	AP
Step 10	Submit to WSD Part IV of Form WWO 46 to request for inspection upon completion of all inside/fire services works and Part II of Form WWO132 to request issuance of CERTIFICATE REGARDING WATER SUPPLY CONNECTION for WSD flushing. WSD will normally inspect the site within 7 working days upon receipt of the notice for the inspection and issue CERTIFICATE REGARDING WATER SUPPLY CONNECTION upon satisfactory completion.	AP's Licensed Plumber
Step 11	After all inside/fire services works are checked to be satisfactory by WSD, in the presence of WSD staff and AP, flush to clean the connection main; and pick up the outstanding final connection within the lot.	AP's contractor
Step 12	Hand over the connection main works beyond the lot boundary to WSD upon completion. WSD will normally attend the hand over within 7 working days from receipt of the hand over notice.	AP
Step 13	A 12-month defects liability period will commence upon satisfactory hand-over of the works to WSD. Any defects found during this period shall be rectified by the AP to the satisfaction of WSD.	AP

(Note: AP shall notify WSD by fax at least 2 working days before the date ready for joint inspection under Step 8 (b), (d) & (f) and Step 11.)

3. Quality Control and Audit Check

3.1 Drainage connection works

1. The AP will provide records of material quality (brand name, grade, class, etc.) and acceptance tests (water test, etc.) as required by the specifications for DSD's scrutiny in the initial site inspection. If an initial inspection cannot be arranged, the AP is required to submit a colour closed circuit television survey report for the drainage connection to DSD in order to confirm the internal conditions of the pipelines to be satisfactory.
2. The design of drainage connection works shall be in accordance with current DSD Sewerage and/or Stormwater Drainage Manual. The pipeline and manholes are to comply with the GS and DSD standard drawings.
3. Drainage pipes shall have a minimum diameter of 200mm and be of the following materials or other materials approved by DSD :-
   1. Foul sewer - vitrified clay, ductile iron, uPVC, PE
   2. Stormwater drain - concrete, ductile iron, uPVC
4. Foul sewers should be designed so that the velocity of the flow will exceed the self-cleansing velocity on a regular basis. As a general guide, the minimum fall of foul sewers is as follows :-

   Diameter of pipe	Minimum fall
   200mm	1 in 200
   225mm	1 in 225
   250mm	1 in 250
   300mm	1 in 300

5. Manholes should be standard manholes shown in DSD standard drawings. Procedures and requirements for connecting foul sewers and stormwater drains from privately owned or controlled lots to public drainage systems undertaken by developers are specified in the booklet "How to make DRAINAGE CONNECTIONS."

3.2 Run-in construction and footway reconstruction works

The acceptance criterion for the construction of run-ins and damaged footway repair are already detailed in the GS.

The AP shall arrange the following tests to be carried out by an independent laboratory accredited under the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme. He shall submit the test reports to HyD before the handing over inspection

1. Relative compaction of the sub-grade material underneath footways and run-in according to clause 6.81 of GS.
2. Relative compaction of sub-base beneath run-in according to clauses 9.48 of GS.
3. Compressive strength of concrete according to clauses 16.58 to 16.62 of GS.
4. Bituminous material coring tests according to clauses 9.62 to 9.65 of GS at the rate of 1 core for every 500m² of carriageway area or part thereof.
5. Compressive strength of paving blocks according to clauses 11.82 to 11.85 of GS.

3.3 Water supply connection works

a)	Associated documents	These guidelines shall be read in conjunction with Section 22 of the GS, 2006 Edition.
b)	Pipes and fittings	The following pipe materials may be used as appropriate: Ductile iron pipes and fittings to BS EN 545:2002 and gaskets to BS EN 681-1, type WA and Clause 4.1.3 of BS EN 545:2002. Mild steel pipes and fittings to BS EN 10224:2002 and BS EN 10220:2002. Lined galvanized steel pipe with either polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride lining to JWWA K132:1986 or JWWA K116-1987 respectively, and fittings to JIS B 2301:1988. Polyethylene pipes and fittings, PE80 or PE100 to relevant BS or WIS standard. Alternative national or international standards that can be shown to be equivalent to the BS or specified standards mentioned above may be accepted for the supply of relevant pipes and fittings. All pipes and fittings materials shall be used in the fresh water or salt water connection main as follows: Fresh Water Main Salt Water Main Exposed Buried Exposed Buried Mild steel Mild steel Mild steel Mild steel Ductile iron Ductile iron Ductile iron Ductile iron Lined galvanized steel Polyethylene Polyethylene (Black) Polyethylene
c)	Width of pipe trench	Trench width for pipe to be laid at depth not exceeding 1.5 m shall be as follows: pipe diameter DN100 & under - 0.45m pipe diameter D exceeding 100 mm - (D+ 2 x 0.225m)
d)	Identification tapes for water mains	Identification tapes shall be laid continuously along the connection mains with the printed pattern facing upwards. The tapes shall be as shown on Drawing No. WSD 1.31.
e)	Detectable warning tapes for buried non-metallic connection mains	Detectable warning tapes shall be laid continuously along the buried non-metallic connection mains and be used in conjunction with the identification tapes. The tape shall be placed directly on top of the non-metallic mains with the printed pattern facing upwards and fixed onto the pipe body as shown on Drawing No. WSD1.37 (Annex 7 ). The tape shall be brought to the surface within the connection tee valve pit and mounted on the pit wall at a terminal point as per details shown on the Drawing.
f)	Backfilling of pipelines	Back fill to pipelines shall be suitable material with a moisture content +/-3% of the optimum moisture content and free from clay lumps and stones retained on a 20 mm sieve. Fill material within 300 mm above the pipe shall be deposited in 100 mm layers and compacted by hand rammers to obtain a relative compaction of at least 95% throughout. Fill material above a level of 300 mm above the pipe shall be deposited and compacted in layers to obtain a relative compaction of at least: within 150 mm of road formation level - 98% else where - 95%
g)	Thrust and anchor blocks	Thrust and anchor blocks shall be designed to take the full thrust and constructed in Grade 20/20 concrete
h)	Cleaning and sterilisation of fresh water mains for making connections	The whole section of new fresh water connection main shall be sterilized by filling with water that has been dozed with chloride of lime at a minimum concentration of 30 ppm. After at least 30 minutes, the sterilized water in the pipe shall be drained down and the pipe be flushed with potable water to the satisfaction of WSD staff before picking up the final connection.

4. Support and Assistance

a) APs using this scheme may approach staff listed in Annex 8 for assistance in the event of difficulty in using the Scheme.

5. One Stop Centre for Warehouse Construction Permits

The One Stop Centre for Warehouse Construction Permits under the former Efficiency Unit (renamed as Efficiency Office (EffO) on 1 April 2018) is in operation with effect from 1 December 2008 for receiving building licence applications and coordinating joint inspections for two-storey warehouses. For details, please refer to the EffO’s website at http://www.effo.gov.hk/en/our-work/citizen-centric-services/one-stop-warehouse-construction-permits.html.

Notes	1	The developer shall be represented by his Authorized Person (AP) on his behalf where appropriate. For drainage connection works, this condition applies to developments controlled under the Buildings Ordinance.
	2	The XP application form is available at https://www.hyd.gov.hk/en/service_enquiries/public_forms/index.html and shall be submitted by the developer.
	3	Before HyD issues the XP to the permittee, the permittee is required to submit to HyD:- (a) the coordinated programme for all other involved utility undertakings (UUs) work in the vicinity; and (b) documentary evidence that the UUs have no adverse comments on his application. However, the applicant is not required to adjust his proposed work Plan even when other UUs have made excavations in the vicinity in the past three months. Should there be any other utility works scheduled or being scheduled to be implemented in the vicinity, his AP shall liaise with the relevant UUs so that the works of the applicant and UUs can be carried out in a coordinated manner and reflected in the coordinated programme.
	4	A specimen letter for utility circulation is attached in Annex 3 for reference.
	5	It is advisable to submit the proposal at an early stage well in advance for WSD to check its compliance with the Waterworks requirements. Re-submission(s) may be required as only proposals meeting the Waterworks requirements will be approved.
	6	The AP may choose to invite WSD for checking the pit during the final inspection under Step II if he has confidence in its workmanship. He should ensure proper adjustment of the level of the cover and that no debris is accumulated inside the pit. Any improper pit construction may hinder the turning on of water supply.