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Stormwater

Stormwater runoff is rain that falls on streets, parking areas, sports fields, gravel lots, rooftops or other developed land and flows directly into nearby creeks and rivers.

Rain picks up and mixes with what's on the ground:

Oil, grease, metals and coolants from vehicles;

Fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals from gardens and homes;

Bacteria from pet wastes and failing septic systems;

Soil from construction sites and other bare ground;

Soaps from car or equipment washing; and Accidental spills, leaky storage containers, tobacco spit and whatever else ends up on the ground.

The polluted runoff then rushes into nearby gutters and storm drains and into streams, lakes and rivers. The most effective way to reduce stormwater pollution is to stop it getting in there in the first place! The water that runs off the roads, your roof, footpath and driveway are the beginning of the stormwater system. It then flows through a system of usually hidden pipes and drains. From there the water goes untreated and empties into your local waterways.

Unlike sewage, stormwater is not treated. In some cases it's filtered through traps, usually located at the end of the pipe system, but it still flows directly from streets and gutters into our streams, rivers, and the ocean.

There are three main types of stormwater pollution: All types end up discharging into waterways as sediment, sludge and solids. These can be caught in pollution traps, but the most effective way to reduce this problem is to prevent pollution entering the stormwater system in the first place. The traps don't catch all the silt or litter, they don't stop chemicals and are very expensive to maintain.

Litter, such as cigarette butts, cans, paper or plastic bags (sometimes called gross pollutants)

Chemical pollution, such as detergents, oil or fertilizers

Natural pollution, such as leaves, garden clippings, animal droppings, sediment and silt.

Who's responsible?

Everyone has a part to play. Reducing the pollution depends on every person preventing harmful natural or chemical substances entering the drains. It is everyone's responsibility to reduce the amount of rubbish and pollution that is carried into the drains.

Effects of stormwater on plants and animals

Stormwater pollution can kill plants and animals that live in the water.

Sediment in the water reduces light penetration and affects photosynthesis, the processes that allow plants to use light as their source of energy.

When green waste decays in water it takes away vital oxygen away from plants, fish and other aquatic animals.

Soil makes waterways cloudy and can suffocate fish by clogging their gills.

Litter clogs waterways and causes toxicity as it breaks down. It affects the health of birds, fish and other animals and plants that live in the waterways. Effects of Stormwater on humans Stormwater eventually feeds into our waterways. Healthy waterways mean a healthy future for the environment and the economy and for us. For example: Bacteria pose a health risk to humans. It can be dangerous to swim immediately after rain.

Litter and pollution destroys the visual amenity of our waterways.