Improving Stormwater Quality
As rainwater drains from streets into the drainage system, it carries litter, engine oil and other pollutants. There are more than 100,000 points in Melbourne alone where litter can enter the drainage system.
Because the local drainage system, including kerbside entry pits, is managed by local councils, stormwater quality can be improved only through a co-ordinated approach. Melbourne Water invested more than $600,000 and assisted 31 local councils in Melbourne to develop and implement stormwater management plans to reduce pollution and protect river and creek quality from new urban developments. These plans include regulation, enforcement, construction of infrastructure (such as litter traps) and education. Melbourne Water will provide $1.8 million over the next three years for priority works identified in the councils’ stormwater management plans.
We spend up to $1.5 million a year removing litter from our drains and waterways, and we routinely remove obstructions and pollution in our rivers and creeks.
Melbourne Water also carries out education campaigns to encourage the community to take a role in preventing stormwater pollution.
Eight tips to prevent stormwater pollution.
- Bin it securely.
Make sure litter cannot blow or fall out of bins or recycling containers. - Dog droppings.
Dog droppings that wash into stormwater drains and rivers and creeks may impact on water quality. Use a dog scoop bag or put the droppings in your garden. - Grass clippings and leaves.
Help keep street gutters and drain entrances clear of leaves by starting a compost heap or using leaves as garden mulch. Debris can block drains and cause local flooding. Rotting organic matter can pollute rivers and creeks with excess nutrients. - Painting clean-up.
For water-based paints, paint out brushes on scrap material and rinse into the garden. For oil-based paints, use a recommended paint solvent to rinse or soak brushes. Store excess solvent and paint for disposal via your local Household Chemical Collection program. - Washing the car.
Wash your car on a grassed area so soapy water does not flow into the gutter and end up in a local river or creek. Increased nutrients from detergents can contaminate our rivers and creeks. - Motor oil.
One litre of oil can contaminate one million litres of water. Don't pour oil into the gutter. Many councils have drop-off centres which will take leftover oil. Keep your vehicle maintained so it does not leak oil or petrol. - Fertiliser and pesticides.
Avoid applying fertiliser and pesticides in areas where they could wash into drains, particularly when storms are predicted. - Landscaping and construction.
Make sure soil and sand stockpiles are not covering street gutters. Protect stockpiles from wind and rain by storing under secured plastic sheeting or tarpaulins. Schedule grading and excavation projects during dry weather.