Who Is Responsible For Storm Water Drains In QLD? Let's Explain!
Stormwater management, for both the community and from the property owner's perspective, is an important but also confusing topic to consider - especially when it comes to determining who is responsible for storm water drains. Today, we're going to light up the uncertainty with a deep dive into the subject for all Queenslanders.
Who is responsible for storm water drains?
Before we get into the area of stormwater responsibility, let's stop to consider exactly what we're talking about. Fundamentally, stormwater infrastructure can be divided into two:
- Your stormwater infrastructure: We're talking about your home's roof plumbing, gutters, downpipes, pits and drains on the grounds of your property. Together, they work to effectively manage the millions of litres of water dumped on your property by Mother Nature, putting the onus on the homeowner to ensure neighbours and the wider community don't have to deal with your poorly controlled run-off.
- The community stormwater infrastructure: Once that water is channelled into the connection point and community drainage system, it's over to the local council and other relevant authorities to collect, divert and manage the community stormwater flow.
What about neighbours' water runoff law in QLD?
Is it already clear where the responsibility for a storm water drain on my property lies? Hopefully, the answer is obvious: It's all up to you. What this means is that it's the resident who must be proactive and fully aware of the stormwater drainage system on the grounds of their own property.
Is your property prepared for a major rain event? Are you aware that one of the most common complaints made to the council and other local authorities is about stormwater run-off causing a nuisance to adjoining or downstream properties? With that said, your local council has limited ability to intervene, leaving it up to the civil legal system in large part. But the council will certainly respond to illegally-constructed structures that have sub-standard stormwater systems that cause a nuisance to those around you.
However, in many cases, the type of complaint made to the council is actually related to the natural lay of the land or originates from overland water flow, which is unlikely to be dealt with by the council. However, the state Queensland government has a Dispute Resolution Centre that can be called or emailed for assistance.
So who is responsible for stormwater runoff, exactly? Let's start with YOU:
- You must prevent surface water from entering your home
- You are responsible for installation, repairs, maintenance and unblocking your stormwater drains & pipes, your gutters & downpipes, your gully pits and all of your other stormwater systems
- To comply with AS/NZS drainage standards, your roof & stormwater must be diverted to your property's kerb/channel, a council-controlled drainage easement or reserve, or an approved council storm water drainage connection.
In certain circumstances, you may also be required to accept overland surface water flow from a neighbour's property or adjoining public land. Additionally, in many cases, property owners located upstream are not at all responsible for water flowing naturally to lower lands - putting the onus on the downstream property owner instead to install a private drainage system.
What else are you responsible for?:
- Water cannot be directed to an ad-hoc stagnant pond
- Water tank overflow cannot be connected to the community stormwater system.
Let us help with your storm water responsibility
Is responsibility for that storm water drain on my property still more than confusing? Luckily, the Gold Coast plumbers right here at In Deep Plumbing have so much hands-on experience in helping residents with their stormwater drainage solutions that we can definitely assist. For tailored advice, roof plumbing & stormwater infrastructure installation, repairs & maintenance and so much more, get in touch with In Deep Plumbing today.
