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 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.