Only rainwater belongs in stormwater drains
Published on Tuesday, 28 January 2025
Stormwater is the water collected from roofs, roads, and drains that flows untreated into creeks, rivers, wetlands, and eventually the ocean.
Many of your everyday household activities could be unknowingly ending up in our stormwater drain.
From pool backwash and car washing to the improper disposal of garden waste and chemicals, these actions all contribute to stormwater pollution. Pollutants in stormwater harm the environment, negatively affecting plants and animals.
What can go down a stormwater drain
- Rainwater
- Natural runoff - eg small amounts of leaves and dirt
What shouldn’t go down a stormwater drain
- Pool water - ie chlorine, salt, acid
- Car wash runoff - ie soapy water, chemicals
- Paint, oils, and chemicals
- Garden waste - eg lawn clippings, leaves
- Soil, sand, and concreting waste
- Animal waste
- Fertilisers
How you can protect our waterways and environment
- Redirect pool backwash to the sewer. This can be done permanently with a fixed pipe or can be done with a flexible pipe to an outdoor sewer drain under a tap.
- Wash your car, boat or caravan on a lawned area that can contain the water
- Wash your car at a car wash
- Sweep your driveway and dispose of materials appropriately
- Dispose of green waste in your green bin
Find out more from the Environment Protection Authority website.
