A prevalent mistake people make is confusing stormwater with rainwater. But any homeowner should know the difference. They should work on fixing the proper drainage systems.
Rainwater is the rain you can harvest into storage, such as a tank, when it falls on your roof and can be filtered for human consumption. Stormwater, on the other hand, is the water that gets drained off the land after the rainfall. This means stormwater refers to everything, from the rain falling on your rooftop to the ones going through the downpipes and gutters. Naturally, it is not meant for human consumption.
But, this water can be utilised in other ways and prevented from polluting the lakes and rivers. A blocked stormwater drain in Sydney can empty pollutants, sediments, and harmful chemicals into the waterways resulting in flooding in Australia. The recent surge in eastern Australia, with cities like Toowoomba, Maryborough, and parts of Sydney suffering, paints the picture perfectly. So, managing a large amount of stormwater must be efficient to avoid these problems. Here’s what you need to know.
The Authorities Responsible for Stormwater Drainage
Fortunately, some authorities in cities like Sydney handle the maintenance of stormwater drains. For instance, the local council supervises the problem of a blocked stormwater drain in Sydney, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. There is also the statutory corporation owned by the New South Wales Government, Sydney Water, responsible for maintaining the channels and pipes.
Transport Canberra and City Services look after the maintenance in the Australian Capital Territory. TasWater is a water and sewage utility service that the 29 local governments in Tasmania own, which looks after their stormwater drainage. In Western Australia, the Department of Water regulates the rules for managing stormwater.
But the responsibilities also fall upon the property owner, despite the government monitoring. You must ensure adherence to the rules and regulations set by these governing authorities.
What Property Owners Need to Do
Knowing how to clear a blocked stormwater drain is something every Australian should know. Apart from preventing significant calamities, this will also help you utilise the water and tackle the impending water crisis in Australia while keeping your gutters clean.
So, the first thing you can do to avoid this problem is to ensure your purchased property has proper drainage. You can seek the help of a stormwater professional to design the system. But if there are any persisting flooding issues, it is best to consult a stormwater drainage engineer.
Proper, timely maintenance is also crucial. You can always try to DIY it, but you must use proper techniques. For example, wear gloves at all times when cleaning the blocked drain. However, it is wiser to hire a blocked stormwater drain Sydney service for the job. You can also install a stormwater detention storage, which can be used as a backup during heavy rainfall.
The Bottom Line
Stormwater drainage can make or break a property. However, with proper plumbing, and due diligence, it is possible to avoid or mitigate the issue.
You can even store and use the water for gardening and sanitation. All that is required is some essential planning and professional assistance. You will easily find many professional services within Australia if you need help cleaning or unblocking the stormwater drainage.
