Pollution Prevention
The water from our houses and gardens eventually ends up in the river. We can all do our bit for healthier rivers, simply by making small changes to how we go about our day-to-day lives.
Ways you can prevent pollution of the waterways from the comfort of your own home:
- Sweep gutters and driveways instead of hosing
- Wash your vehicle on the grass, not on the road, then pour any leftover soapy water on the lawn. Or go to a car wash.
- Rake up grass clippings and place them in the green waste bin
- Clean water-based paintbrushes over soil or in a sink connected to the sewerage system
- Put cigarette butts in the bin
- Take plastic bags with you when walking the dog
- Recycle plastic bottles, cans and bags
- Capture sediment before it enters drains
- Report stormwater pollution to EPA, Sydney Water or your local Council.
An overflowing sewer can be unpleasant and anyone who has had the experience usually remembers it. Sewerage overflows effect everyone, they cost money to clean up and they damage our environment. By working together, we can help keep stormwater out of the sewerage system.
As a property owner you are responsible for maintaining the internal pipes on your property so that stormwater doesn’t leak into the sewerage system.
If you are unsure if stormwater is getting into your internal sewerage system, there are a number of tests that can be conducted to find where potential issues may be including:
- Camera investigation – a remote control CCTV camera can be inserted into the pipes to check what condition they are in; and/or
- Smoke testing – which is non-toxic smoke directed into the sewer pipes and typically smoke will come out of any inappropriate connections or breaks to pipes.
If you suspect a broken pipe, contact a licensed plumber immediately.