Stormwater is surface run-off from rain and storm events. It travels through gutters and drains into our waterways.
As Victoria grows, the number of hard surfaces, such as roads and buildings, increases. This impacts the quality and quantity of stormwater that reaches our waterways.
Increased amounts of stormwater cause erosion in our waterways and harm aquatic ecosystems.
Everyday activities can cause harm, not just major spills. It’s important to make sure waste from our homes or businesses does not pollute stormwater drains.
Stormwater can be polluted by a range of sources, including:
- chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, oil, paint and heavy metals
- illegal spills and discharges
- litter, such as plastic bags, bottles, cigarette butts and food wrappers
- natural waste, such as food, leaves, garden clippings and animal poo
- pollution from the air that lands on the earth (atmospheric deposition)
- roofing materials wearing away
- sediment, such as dust and dirt or soil from building sites
- sewer overflows and septic tank leaks
- shampoos and washing detergents
- car fluid leaks.
These are major sources of pollution in our waterways.
Stormwater and the law
The general environmental duty applies to activities that may impact stormwater and the stormwater drainage system. Everyone must eliminate or reduce risk of harm and prevent waste from entering stormwater drains so far as reasonably practicable. This includes wastewater.
There is an order for obligations of managers of land or infrastructure (OMLI) that requires councils to develop and publish stormwater management plans.
If your business has caused an incident that harms or threatens to harm human health or the environment, you must report it to us as soon as you become aware of it.
If you hold a permission, you must notify us immediately if you breach any condition of your permission. This includes notifying us about any incident that harms or threatens to harm human health or the environment.
There are requirements under other legislation. Check with your local council(opens in a new window) about any planning or local law requirements for managing urban stormwater.
Our role in stormwater
We provide guidance for business, industry, the community and other authorities to help them manage stormwater and minimise risk. This includes the Urban stormwater management guidelines.
Impact of stormwater on health and the environment
Stormwater can carry pollutants into waterways. Stormwater pollution can cause:
- unpleasant odours
- skin irritation
- diseases such as gastroenteritis and hepatitis.
Before swimming in Port Phillip Bay or the Yarra River, check the water quality.
If you experience symptoms, seek medical advice.
If you're concerned about your health because of water quality, find out who to contact.
Plants and animals
Stormwater can harm or kill the plants and animals that live in our waterways.
Heavy rainfall events increase stormwater pollution. Large amounts of stormwater cause erosion and harm aquatic ecosystems.
Plants and animals may be affected by:
- changes to the levels of acidity, nutrients or oxygen in the water
- erosion and scouring from increased stormwater flows
- excessive growth of aquatic weeds and algae
- increase in water temperatures
- less light in the water
- litter, chemicals and toxic organic matter
- rapid changes in water levels
- reduced food supplies.
You can report water pollution to us, including fish deaths.
Prevent stormwater pollution from your home
Stop pollutants from reaching your local drains. This is to reduce stormwater pollution and improve the quality of our waterways. For example:
- avoid using weedkiller when it’s going to rain or be windy
- clean paintbrushes in a sink
- clean up after your pets
- compost your leaves and garden clippings to stop them going into drains
- make sure your car is not leaking any fluids
- put your litter in a bin
- sweep the footpath and put the waste into a bin rather than using a hose
- use native plants in your garden, since they do not need as much water and fertiliser
- wash your car on the grass or at a car wash that recycles the water.
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