Water unable to enter an underground drainage system will find its way naturally to the nearest watercourse via overflow paths.
These are typically roadways, public reserves, pathways and through private property.
You must maintain pipes, gutters, downpipes, gully pits and any other components of your stormwater system on your property.
Gutters and downpipes must be clear of leaves and debris, and free of rust and holes.
You need approval to connect to a council stormwater system.
Do not discharge stormwater to a sewage system, as it can create serious environmental and health hazards.
If there is a drainage easement on your property it must be maintained and kept clear of debris to allow the natural flow of stormwater to the drainage inlet.
You must accept overflowing water from adjoining properties or public land, and must not direct the overflow onto neighbouring properties.
If you live on a sloping site, you should be aware natural surface water flows down the slope following land contours.
You are responsible for installing surface water controls in a way that does not have a detrimental impact on properties further down the slope.
Where sloping blocks have been excavated to obtain a flat yard or building site, seepage drains should be constructed to redirect water to a stormwater drain.
When constructing hardstand areas you must control stormwater in order to prevent the increased run-off from flowing onto an adjacent property.
Complaints regarding stormwater flow should be referred to the owner of that property, not Council.
Council has limited powers to intervene, other than where illegal works have contributed to the issue.
Landowners are encouraged to talk to their neighbours about the problem and to seek a mutually suitable solution.
If this is not possible, the Community Justice Centre (CJC) provides a mediation and conflict management service to help people resolve their own disputes.
If a property has structures and buildings, these should have approved stormwater systems and stormwater installation as defined under the Local Government Act.
When Council will take action
Where a concentrated flow of surface water goes from one property across the common land boundary onto another property, by a man-made structure or drain, or a defective or non-existent roof drainage from a dwelling or outbuilding.
When Council will not take action
If surface water:
- is natural run-off from a property
- is flowing down existing hard surface areas such as driveways, tennis courts, concrete slabs or paving
- only occurs in periods of exceptionally heavy rain
- is from stormwater absorption pits where a building’s drainage is unable to connect to Council’s stormwater system
- is run-off from a building site with the relevant development consent.
These problems are from private drainage systems.
- Minimise hard surfaces on your property.
- Replace concrete or asphalt slabs with pavers, so water can seep down into the spaces between the pavers.
- Take out the centre of your driveway.
- Replace all or part of your driveway with pavers.
- Replace the pavement at the bottom of your driveway with a French drain or grate, to collect the water and allow it to soak into the ground.
- If an area must be paved, use porous asphalt or permeable concrete.
- Line impervious surfaces with gravel trenches.
- Replace lawn areas with native plants.
- Native plants, such as shrubs and wildflowers, tend to develop more extensive root systems that take in and hold water much better than lawns.
- Don't leave soil exposed.
- Depending on your slope and soil type, bare soil can be nearly as impervious as concrete.
- Add organic matter to your soil.
- Plant and preserve existing trees.
- Plant native trees or trees that take in a lot of water and are well adapted to your environment, and take care of your existing trees. For new home constructions, leave trees in place if possible.
- Reduce the slope of your yard.
- Consider excavating to make steep slopes more gradual, making sure there is an adequate slope away from the house for at least 3-5 metres.
- Install berms and vegetated swales. A berm is a slightly raised area that can be used to slow run-off on steep slopes. A swale is a ditch with a mild slope that can direct water to a rain garden, storm drain or street easement.