Successful stormwater inflow inspection program continues

Published on 07 June 2017

Rockhampton Regional Council is reminding residents not to go with the flow when it comes to stormwater pipes.

A Council approved stormwater inspection program will be carried out by Fitzroy River Water (FRW) from July, to check that gutters and downpipes coming from homes are being directed into stormwater drains and not sewerage lines.

Chair of Council’s Water Committee, Councillor Neil Fisher said the program will be carried out in North Rockhampton from July 1 until September 30.

“FRW will be conducting stormwater inflow inspections to reduce the impact of severe weather events and flooding on local sewerage networks at a number of selected and notified properties,” Cr Fisher said. 

He said the program builds upon the success of a selective inspection program that was carried out in South Rockhampton during 2016.

“These programs successfully identify sources of stormwater inflow or infiltration due to defects or non-compliant internal plumbing or sewerage infrastructure,” Cr Fisher said. 

“In the previous program carried out by FRW, more than 20% of the properties inspected contained a potential source of stormwater inflow into the sewerage network. We are keen to see similar results and improvements in North Rockhampton.

“It only takes five houses with water going into the sewerage network before their neighbours down the road could be impacted, so it’s important that we are all doing the right thing,” Cr Fisher said.

Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, Councillor Tony Williams said the inspection program is a proactive approach to disaster management and a way of reducing the impacts the Region faces during extreme rain events.

“The sewerage system is not designed to cope with or carry heavy runoff so these programs are incredibly important in preventing stormwater inflow during heavy rainfall events,” Cr Williams said.

“Incorrect stormwater connections can cause excessive sewer flows and overflows that can then damage properties, pose a significant risk to public and environmental health and lead to significant operational problems for the sewerage network and sewage treatment plants.”

Cr Williams said the program is already proving positive within the community.

“It is pleasing to note that customers have been very cooperative and have also gained an understanding of the importance of preventing stormwater inflow and infiltration into the sewerage network through this program,” he said.

For further details on the inspection program, please contact Fitzroy River Water on 1300 22 55 77 or 07 4932 9000.