Stormwater

Clean drains = Clean Water

Stormwater drains are JUST for rain!!!

Everything that enters stormwater drains ends up untreated in our rivers, lakes, estuaries and the ocean. Pollutants in stormwater are having a disastrous impact on all aquatic life, not only harming fish, plants and wildlife, but reducing water quality for humans.

What can happen?

• Birds and fish can become entangled in rubbish
• Algal blooms can result from a build up in nutrients found in animal waste and in chemical products used by households and businesses
• Oil slicks can occur when oils are poured down drains or wash from the streets into the gutter

How can you help?

• Don’t tip paint, thinners, flea rinses, herbicides, pesticides, oils or other chemicals down the drain
• Bin your rubbish securely
• Pick up your dogs waste and put it in a bin or worm farm. It’s full of nutrients that can feed algal blooms.
• Sweep up grass clippings, leaves, sand and other material and put in a bin or compost
• Keep garden weeds away from drains. They may end up in rivers or wetlands as invasive weeds.
• Wash your car on the lawn to keep detergents out of the stormwater drainage system
• Use the right fertiliser at the right time (Fertilise Wise) and never over-water.
• Backwash your pools into a soakwell, not into a roadside drain
• Don’t feed bread to waterbirds
• Get involved with your local catchment or friends group