Stormwater can be both harmful and helpful, depending on how it is managed. One of the things that homeowners should be using are stormwater drains to avoid a buildup in their homes, but who is responsible for managing this? Stormwater is a natural occurrence, so who gets responsibility? That’s what we’re going to be looking at in this article, so keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.s
What is stormwater?
Stormwater is the water that occurs after there has been some kind of adverse weather such as a storm. On the most basic level, stormwater is just rain or melted snow/hail that has been formed after a storm has been, leaving wetness in its wake. It’s important that stormwater is properly managed to avoid damage to properties, and there are multiple ways that this can be done.
Responsibility for stormwater drains by state
Australian Capital Territory – you are responsible for any blockages that occur on your property as the homeowner. Blockages above the stormwater tie are your responsibility, and blockages below the stormwater tie will be taken care of by the ACT government.
New South Wales – It is the responsibility of the council to maintain the stormwater drains outside of your property. If the drain gets blocked, it is up to the local council to get this sorted.
Queensland – in Queensland, the property owner is responsible for maintaining all stormwater drains. It is down to the property owner to ensure that if the drain is on their property, it is being taken care of by you.
Northern Territory – Management, installation and maintenance of stormwater drains is down to the local council in the Northern Territory. If there is a blockage or an issue, the council should take care of this.
South Australia – In South Australia, the responsibility for stormwater drains is split between the state government, local government and the homeowner. However, it’s pretty clear in the guidelines that most of the responsibility falls to the homeowner, so just be aware that you will have to do the majority of the maintenance and fix the problems when they arise.
Tasmania – In Tasmania, it is the job of the local council to maintain the stormwater drains effectively, unless they are on the property of a homeowner. If the stormwater drain does fall on owned property, it depends on the situation but the homeowner may be responsible.
Victoria – The property owner is responsible for the stormwater pipes that lead to the local drain. The drain itself is to be properly maintained by the local council.
Western Australia – Within the boundaries of your property, you are responsible for the stormwater drains. If they fall outside of the property ownership and are on local land, then this becomes the responsibility of the council.
Need a plumber to help with your stormwater? Get in touch with a professional today and receive the help that many don’t take the time to get. The quicker you do this, the less potential for harm there is from stormwater.
