If the drain is on your property, it may be a problem with the drains in your house and you should contact a plumber.

If the problem is affecting more than one property in your area, it may be a problem with the main sewer. In this case, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9748 9999.

If it is a blocked and overflowing road drain please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre immediately on 9748 9999.

The stormwater system captures water runoff from roads, roofs and land and directs it through stormwater pipes to rivers, streams and oceans. Materials that may enter waterways via the stormwater system include rubbish and chemicals, which has the potential to harm wildlife and degrade the waterways.

Residents are requested to ensure grass clippings or rubbish does not enter our gutters or drains as this pollutes our waterways and the material may cause blockages and result in flooding.

For further information please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9748 9999.

Stormwater Issues on Private Property

As a result of the climate and topography, flooding and nuisance issues from stormwater is a common problem for many residents, especially if they believe the water is coming from another property. Council understands that this can cause disputes between neighbours.  Council does its best to ensure that proper action is taken if required and/or where possible by law.

When the Council will take action

Council investigates and takes action on stormwater drainage complaints only where it relates to the flow of surface water from one property across the common land boundary onto another property, and where all of the following criteria has been met:

• evidence being produced that substantiates the surface water has caused or is likely to cause physical damage to land or building on the other land
• surface water has been directed to and/or concentrated in a particular area by a man-made structure or drain
• surface water is the result of defective roof drainage from a dwelling or outbuilding.

How to report a stormwater drainage issue

When reporting a stormwater drainage issue on private land, please include the following information:

• Describe what is occurring
• When did it occur and on how many past occasions?
• Have you made contact with Council about this issue previously?
• What is the source on the neighbouring land that is causing the problem?
• Describe how your land and/or building are being damaged (if possible include a written report from a suitably qualified person stating the land or building is likely to or is being damaged)
• Have you obtained professional advice as to the source of the stormwater issue?
• Have you liaised with your neighbour to address this matter?
• Have you sought advice or initiated mediation with your neighbour through the Community Justice Centre (details below)?
• Take photos of the stormwater problem as it is occurring

When the council will not take action

Officers have the discretion to take no action or are unable to take action in circumstances where:

• the surface water is natural run-off from the property or properties above due to the topography and isn’t redirected in any manner
• surface water is flowing down or across existing hard surface areas such as driveways, tennis, courts, concrete slabs or paved areas
• the location of a dwelling or outbuilding impacts on surface run-off
• surface water run-off occurs only in periods of exceptionally heavy rain
• surface water is a result of overflows from stormwater absorption pits where contours of land and lack of access prevent direct connection of a building’s roof water to the council’s stormwater drainage system
• the run-off is from new development work that is the subject of a development consent and has been constructed in accordance with that consent
• the drainage problem involves discharges from defective or blocked private inter-allotment drainage easement infrastructure eg. pipes and drainage pits.

Sloping blocks

If you’re a resident living on a sloping site, you should be aware that natural surface water run-off flows down the slope following the contours of the block. Unless the cause of the surface water meets the criteria above, you carry the responsibility to install surface water controls. Any diversion of surface water must be carried out in a way that doesn’t have a detrimental impact on any other properties further down the slope.

Seepage water

Seepage water is the responsibility of individual property owners. Where sloping blocks have been excavated to obtain a flat yard or building site, seepage drains should be constructed to redirect water to a stormwater drainage system.

You should liaise with neighbours to address any problems. If possible, drainage easements can be created to direct water to a council stormwater drainage system.

Disputes resolution

If you wish to formally manage discussions, you may consider contacting the Community Justices Centre. The centre offers free advice and mediation services and can be contacted on 1800 990 777 or through their website .

Who can I contact if my property is flooding?

For emergency help in flood events, contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500