Stormwater
Stormwater is water from rain or runoff that enters the drainage system. Stormwater carries with it a wide range of pollutants, including sediment, oil, hydrocarbons and leaves, which are a major cause of pollution in our rivers, creeks, lakes and bays.
Reducing pollution and protecting the quality of our stormwater drains is everyone's business. We can all do simple things to reduce stormwater pollution, such as picking up litter and preventing spills in our workplaces.
Cleaner stormwater also provides us with new opportunities for stormwater harvesting and re-use. This helps us to protect our precious water reserves.
Improving stormwater quality is a long-term process that involves educating residents and businesses about preventing stormwater pollution at its source and treating stormwater before it enters our waterways.
In June 2000 the Government launched the Victorian Stormwater Action Program (VSAP), a three-year, $22.5 million program to improve stormwater management.
The funding for the project ceased in June 2003. However, outcomes from the project, including information on projects funded under this program, can be viewed on the Clearwater website. Clearwater is a joint initiative of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and the Stormwater Industry Association of Victoria (SIAV).
Types and causes of urban stormwater pollution
Stormwater pollutants originate from many different sources ranging from fuel and oil from our roads, to litter dropped on our streets and sediment from building sites. View the three main types of stormwater pollution and a list of the common pollutants found in urban stormwater, their likely sources and their effect on our waterways.
What can we do about urban stormwater pollution?
The most effective way to reduce stormwater pollution is to stop it entering the system in the first place. Individuals can help reduce stormwater pollution through simple actions.
Reducing stormwater pollution - A kit for home and business
With fact sheets for home and business operators, such as mobile dog washers, home handy men, concreters and builders, the EPA Reducing Stormwater Pollution Kit identifies common sources of pollution and offers practical advice on preventing and correctly managing and disposing of waste.
Stormwater issues
This page provides information about stormwater system, urban stormwater quality and quantity.
Stormwater management
This page contains information about stormwater management plans and best practice environmental management guidelines.
Victorian Stormwater Action Program
EPA Victoria has released a report on the outcomes of the Victorian Stormwater Action Program (VSAP). Under the $22.5 million VSAP program, the Victorian Government invested $19.9 million in 273 stormwater management projects across Victoria. The remaining $2.6 million funds were used in program development, research and administration. State funding was matched by funds from program partners, boosting the total to around $50 million. The report highlights a range of stormwater management projects including the development of municipal stormwater management plans, education and awareness projects and research into tools and technologies.
Download the report (Adobe PDF file, 2552KB or 2.5MB)
Stormwater harvesting and use
Stormwater is an excellent alternative to using mains drinking water for many purposes, it is easy to capture, manage and store on-site. However, there is human health and environmental risks that need to be managed as stormwater run-off from urban areas is often contaminated with litter, pathogens, oil and other chemicals. If simple management protocols and good catchment management practices are followed, then stormwater can be used safely for low-risk purposes such as irrigation. For higher-risk uses, where people are more likely to be in close contact with the water, more complex management controls are necessary.
Resources
Get information about water programs, legislation and publications: