FRW inspects properties for unauthorised stormwater connections

Published on 18 October 2016

Fitzroy River Water (FRW) recently commenced a Council Approved Inspection Program to identify locations where stormwater is entering the sewerage network during wet weather events.

Stormwater downpipes and groundwater should not be directed to the sewage system as it can cause sewage overflow onto a property; posing serious health risks.

Council’s Water Committee Chair Councillor Neil Fisher said that FRW would be inspecting areas that were known to experience unusually high inflows during wet weather events.

“Our crews are looking for unauthorised plumbing on properties that almost certainly causes stormwater inflow,” Cr Fisher said.

“Even 3-5 downpipes could be sufficient to cause a localised sewer overflow on a property, so it is very important we act on this.

“We hope that by undertaking these inspections we can alert property owners to plumbing defects and work with them to rectify future problems,” he said.  

If you think your stormwater pipes are connected to the sewerage network instead of stormwater drains, you should contact a licensed plumber.

Further information on what you can do to ensure you do not experience sewer overflow can be found by clicking here.

Unauthorised downpipe pictured.