Help us protect Tasmanian waterways and parklands

Keep stormwater out of sewer

We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world and our environment is particularly close to our hearts. Tasmania is home to some of the most stunning waterways and parklands and it is important that we all do our bit to protect the environment.

Stormwater inflow and infiltration

Our sewerage network is not designed to manage the inflow and infiltration of stormwater during rainfall.

Inflow is where stormwater enters the sewerage network, generally via private plumbing that is incorrectly connected to the sewer.

Infiltration is stormwater entering the sewerage network, generally by seeping through cracked, or unsealed underground infrastructure.

Below is a diagram that shows a correctly plumbed and incorrectly plumbed property.

Stormwater out of sewer

The effect of inflow and infiltration

When the amount of stormwater entering the sewerage network exceeds the network's capacity, there is potential for the following:

  • overflows to creeks, rivers and parklands
  • increased risks to the health of our waterways and local environment
  • increased sewage pumping and treatment.

Examples of private property faults

Fault - Stormwater downpipe enters house's sewer system
Fault - Sump pump directly connected to the sewer via the overflow relief gully
Fault - Stormwater downpipe connected to the sewer
Fault - Tank overflow going into the overflow relief gully
Fault - Overflow relief gully not at regulation height
Fault - Overflow relief not at regulation height due to paving or concrete