When it rains, it pours – a saying that many are accustomed to when living in an area that experiences plenty of it. In order to help prevent damage to our properties, stormwater drains are put in place to help drain away water quickly. However, what are your responsibilities as a homeowner?
What happens when the stormwater drains are blocked by debris and start to flood the street or nearby areas of your home? Is it a responsibility you have? One for the local and state authorities? Let’s find out.
What is stormwater?
Stormwater is water that has come from precipitation. This includes hail, snow, and heavy rain. Stormwater drains are responsible for getting rid of that water effectively and helping keep the peace above ground. However, that doesn’t always happen when those drains become blocked or damaged.
Responsibility for stormwater drains by state
Depending on where you are in the country, the rules and responsibilities for stormwater will vary by state. With that being said, let’s look at what each state says when it comes to responsibility for stormwater.
Australian Capital Territory
Within ACT, landowners are responsible for designing properties that are safe from springs and runoff. Roads ACT are the ones responsible for making sure the management, maintenance, and monitoring of the stormwater network are handled efficiently.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, it is the responsibility of local councils to manage stormwater found on any public land, which includes roads and parks.
However, for private landowners, they will pay a levy towards stormwater management. If that means you’ve got stormwater coming from another property that’s private, your local council is informed and intervenes as a result.
Queensland
For Queensland, the property owner is responsible for maintaining all of the stormwater drains on their land. Councils will take responsibility for everything else. In Queensland, property owners also have to maintain their pipes, gutters, downpipes, pits, and any other components.
Northern Territory
Within the Northern Territory, you’ll find it’s just the same as the ACT. Local councils will manage and monitor all drains that connect to private properties. The same protocols for landowners is the same as ACT.
South Australia
In South Australia, there is a joint responsibility between landowners and state/local governments. All the stormwater infrastructure collected on your property is your own responsibility. Everything else on council land is the local authority’s job.
Tasmania
Tasmania’s responsibilities lie with the local councils but they encourage property owners to ensure good maintenance of their own pipes, gutters, downpipes, pits, and any other part of the stormwater drainage.
Victoria
Victoria offers the joint responsibility between property owners and local councils. Councils are responsible for the water between the discharge area, the kerb, and channel. Landowners are responsible for their own pipes and drains.
Western Australia
Western Australia has local authorities managing stormwater drains and the government provides assistance with floodplain mapping and management on water in general.
Rely on the expertise of a local plumber to help with your stormwater problems
Need a plumber to help with your stormwater? If you’re experiencing problems with your stormwater drains, consider a local plumber to help ensure your property is functioning as it should, and contact local authorities for assistance where possible.