Stormwater - Common Management Systems & Solutions

Depending on your site and your approval requirements, your Stormwater management plan might include some of the following Stormwater systems.

Gutters and Downpipes

Collect rainwater from the roof and direct it to a drainage system.

Stormwater Pits

Pits collect water and provide access for future maintenance and cleaning

Stormwater Pipes

Stormwater pipes carry water from the collection points to the approved point of discharge. Many homeowners assume these pipes must be underground. In reality, pipes may be:

• Underground

• Mounted alongside boundaries

• Fixed to retaining walls

• Suspended beneath decks

• Installed beneath houses

• Non-existent

The appropriate solution depends on the site conditions.

Rainwater Tanks

Rainwater tanks can reduce mains water consumption by storing roof runoff for reuse in gardens, toilets and other approved uses

On-Site Detention (OSD)

Some developments require On-Site Detention systems. An OSD system temporarily stores stormwater and releases it at a controlled rate, reducing pressure on the public drainage network during major storm events. Whether OSD is required depends on Council requirements, site characteristics and the nature of the proposed development.

Soakage Pits and Absorption Trenches

In some situations, Councils may permit absorption systems such as soakage pits or absorption trenches however, these systems are generally only considered where:

• Ground conditions are suitable

• Sufficient land area exists

• There is no adverse impact on neighbouring properties

• No practical lawful point of discharge is available

Not all sites are suitable for absorption systems.