Drains and stormwater

Stormwater is the name for the rainwater that runs off roofs, roads, footpaths and other surfaces.

This water flows into a stormwater drain. It then flows into our creeks, rivers and water catchments, and ends up in the ocean.

Our stormwater drainage network is a combination of drains, pits, pipes, open channels and natural waterways.

Stormwater drains

Not all stormwater drains are owned by Council. Some drains are the responsibility of individual property owners.

Each owner is responsible for maintaining and cleaning the drains on their property.

Council maintains and cleans Council-owned stormwater infrastructure. This includes:

• Kerb and channel drains
• Drainage pipes and pits in streets
• Most (but not all) drains located within drainage easements

Council’s regular street sweeping also helps prevent litter and sediment from entering the stormwater system and polluting local waterways.

If you notice a blocked drain, localised flooding, damaged infrastructure or another drainage concern, please report it to Council so it can be investigated and addressed.

Report a drainage issue

Drains and pipes on private property

Property owners are responsible for the drains and pipes that collect and carry stormwater on their private property.

This includes any pipes that run beneath the footpath or through the nature strip to the kerb.

If you experience a blockage in a pipe or drain on your property, you will need to contact a registered plumber for advice and repairs.

If you own a property, you are responsible for all drainage infrastructure on your land up to the point where it connects to:

• A drainage easement located on your property, or
• A Council-owned drain or kerb and channel.

This connection point is known as the legal point of discharge and includes pipes running under the footpath or nature strip.

Request legal point of discharge information