How the Wastewater System Works
Toilet: Only flush pee, poo and paper. Small sanitary items can cause big issues – put ALL sanitary items like tampons, nappies, wipes (even "flushable" ones) or dental floss in the bin. Download the toilet poster to learn more.
Laundry tubs and stormwater drains: Don’t pour hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, solvents or used automobile oil) down drains. Take to landfill instead. Wash equipment and vehicles on unsealed ground so polluted wastewater won't flow into stormwater drains.
Household drains: Waste/stormwater pipes on private property are the owner’s responsibility. Maintain drains and replace leaky pipes to avoid stormwater seeping into the wastewater network. This will stop pipes being overloaded and causing overflows.
Kitchen sink: Cooking fats and oils can harden and block pipes if rinsed down your sink. Instead, allow these to cool and harden, then scrape into the bin. Download the kitchen sink poster to learn more.
Manholes: Contact Council ASAP on 07 348 4199 to report any damage or spillage from a manhole.
Stormwater network: Sumps (as pictured) collect rainwater from roofs and run-off into the stormwater network. Gully traps collect wastewater from inside your home - rainwater shouldn't enter your gully trap. Read more about gully trap maintenance below.
Stormwater downpipes: Are the property owner’s responsibility - check your stormwater downpipe connects to the stormwater network, not the wastewater network. No downpipes from the roof should be connected to the gully trap.
Industrial activities: A stormwater licence is required for all sites that undertake ‘high risk activities’ to prevent contaminated water entering waterways and threatening our freshwater ecosystems.
Tree planting: As tree roots mature, they can block or break pipes as they grow – plan your planting.
Gully traps
Gully traps are the most common point where stormwater enters the sewerage system. A good gully trap has covers and a high surround that stops rainwater going into the wastewater system during periods of heavy rainfall.
A faulty gully trap will let rainwater into the sewer/wastewater system. Gully traps that are not set up correctly can allow stormwater runoff to enter them and into the wastewater system where it shouldn’t be.
Gully traps must be installed no less than 50mm above a paved surface such as a concrete driveway or foot path and no less than 100mm above an unpaved surface such as gardens and grass areas. Ensure they are raised to prevent a blockage and overflow entering your home.
