Who is Responsible for Stormwater Drainage?

You might have wondered what happens to the rainwater that runs down on the roads and into the gutters. As it flows down impervious structures like roads, rooftops, it collects pollutants. These pollutants make their way through storm drains to our lakes, rivers and oceans untreated. So who's responsible to maintain the stormwater drains? Our plumbers have put together detailed information which might help you. Keep reading to learn more. If you have any questions or need help with your blocked drains, feel free to contact us on 9191 7374.

Stormwater is collected from various sources like:

• Roof
• Surface
• Subsoil water

Difference between Sewer and Stormwater Drains

Sewer drains collect wastewater from your home and are connected to the sewer drains. In Australia, stormwater goes untreated to the waterways, unlike sewage which gets treated in municipal sewage treatment plants.

Why is Stormwater Runoff a big problem?

Storms are quite common in Australia and when it rains the large volume of rainwater can put excess pressure on the stormwater drains and cause flooding. Stormwater carries pollutants like sediments, grease, sediments. That’s why extra care needs to be taken so that the stormwater doesn’t pollute our water bodies.

Legal Point of Discharge for Stormwater

Every property has a legal point of discharge where the stormwater enters the Council’s drains. The stormwater is redirected to the point of discharge with the help of drains and pipes.

Some of the legal points of discharge include:

• Rubble pits or soakage pits
• Street kerbs and channels
• Council drains

Who is responsible for Stormwater drainage in Sydney?

Local Council - The local councils are responsible to maintain the stormwater drains outside your property.

Sydney Water is responsible for maintaining the stormwater channels and pipes across 37 different local council areas. Sydney Water has multiple projects aimed at treating and improving the quality of stormwater.

Property Owners- The property owners are responsible to maintain the pipes and infrastructure on their property till the council’s connection point.

You are not allowed to redirect the surface run-off to your neighbour’s property. In case the stormwater is coming from your neighbour’s property, you can discuss the issue with your neighbour. If it doesn’t fix the problem, report the issue with your local council.

What about other states in Australia?

In general, the councils are responsible to manage the stormwater network and the property owners are responsible to maintain the infrastructure within their homes till the mains connection point.

Australian Capital Territory

The Transport Canberra and City Services is responsible for the maintenance of the stormwater network.

Visit the offical website to learn more: ACT Government

Northern Territory

The installation, management and replacement is the responsibility of the local councils.

For more information, check out North Territory Government website.

South Australia

In South Australia, it is the responsibility of the local councils to manage the stormwater infrastructure

Click for more info - Information and Services for South Australians

Queensland

The local councils are responsible to maintain the stormwater infrastructure.

Check out the official website for more - Queensland Government

Tasmania

TasWater is responsible for the maintenance of stormwater drains.

Victoria

Local councils are responsible for the maintenance of drains, road networks. Melbourne Water is responsible to maintain the large stormwater drains.

Check out the official website for more info - Vic Government

Western Australia

The local councils manage the stormwater drains and the Department of Water defines the stormwater management rules.

How to manage the stormwater runoff?

• Strengthen your garden by planting shrubs, plants and trees. The plant roots prevent soil erosion and also filter pollutants from the water
• You can also consider making a rain garden which can prevent water runoff and remove pollutants from the water
• Install a rainwater tank to store the clean rainwater. This water can be used for irrigation, laundry, toilet and cleaning vehicles
• Install permeable pavers like porous concrete, gravel or asphalt in your driveway or patio so the groundwater can get recharged
• Maintain your stormwater infrastructure by getting the stormwater drains inspected at least once a year by professionals. The drains can get blocked by leaves, sticks, rocks and other garden debris. This can lead to a plumbing disaster when it rains so make sure your drains are in the best shape.
• Check your roofs, gutters and downpipes regularly. If there is any water leak, contact your local plumber
• Keep your garden clean so the leaves and garden debris doesn’t flow down the drain
• Limit the use of fertilisers, pesticides and other chemicals

Need help with your stormwater drains?

If you have blocked pipes, stormwater drains or downpipes, feel free to give us a call on 9191 7374 or complete our online enquiry form.