Stormwater Drainage Issues

Stormwater Issues on private property are a common issue throughout NSW. Stormwater is rainwater that runs off surfaces such as lawns, roads, roofs, carparks and natural ground surfaces.

Stormwater that is unable to enter the underground drainage system will find is natural way to the nearest watercourse via overland flow paths. The overland flow paths are typically natural depressions (that often occur through private property), open channels, roadways and public reserves.

Property Owner’s Responsibilities

Property Owner have a range of responsibilities, which if carried out correctly, will minimize the threat of stormwater damage in the event of heavy rain;

You must maintain your roof water drainage, stormwater pipes, gutters, downpipes, stormwater inlet pits and any other components of your approved drainage system on your property in good condition and in compliance with any Council requirements;
You are required to accept natural overland flow from adjoining properties on public land and must not divert, redirect or concentrate the flow from its natural path on to neigbouring properties,
It is important to note that a downstream property owner cannot erect any type of barrier by way of large walls or closed fencing that interferes with the path of stormwater – if you are downstream, you must accept the natural run-off on to your property.
Ensuring that all buildings (including sheds) have an adequate stormwater drainage system connected to a legal point of discharge (eg. Connected to kerb and gutter or inter-allotment drainage system or water tanks),
When constructing hardstand areas you must control stormwater in order to prevent it from flowing on to adjacent property. It is preferable to minimize the area of water-resistant surfaces such as concrete or paved areas and driveways,
If there is an easement on our property it must be maintained and kept clear of debris to allow the natural flow of stormwater.

Property owners generally need to ensure that roof water and stormwater is drained to one of the following to comply with AS/NZS 3500.3:2003 Plumbing and Drainage Part 3: Stormwater Drainage.

Council street kerb and gutter
An inter-allotment drainage system; or
Council controlled drainage easement or drainage service.

When Council May Take Action

Council Officers investigate and take action in relation to stormwater drainage complaints only where it relates to the flow of surface water from one property across the common land boundary onto another property, and where the following criteria has been met;

Evidence being produced that substantiates the surface water has caused or is likely to cause physical damage to land or building on the other land; and
Surface water has been directed to and/or concentrated in a particular area by a man-made structure or drain; or
Surface water is the result of defective roof drainage from a building.

When Council Will Not Take Action

Council Officers have the discretion to take no action or are unable take action in the following circumstances;

Surface water run-off occurs only in periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall,
The surface water is natural run-off from the property or properties above due to the topography and isn’t redirected in any manner,
Surface water is flowing down and/or across existing hard surface areas such as driveways, tennis, courts, concrete slabs, or paved areas,
The location of an existing dwelling, building or outbuilding impacts on surface run-off,
The run-off is from new development work that is the subject of a development consent and has been constructed in accordance with that consent,
The drainage problem involves discharges from defective or blocked private inter-allotment drainage easement infrastructure e.g. pipes and drainage pits. Note: private allotments easements are the responsibility of the property owners who are burdened by and/or benefited by the easement.

How to Report a Stormwater Drainage Issue

If you are experiencing stormwater issues as a result of stormwater being directed onto your property, you may contact Council on (02) 4677 1100 or lodge a report via the customer portal.

When reporting a stormwater drainage issue on private land, please include the following information;

Describe what is occurring,
When did it occur and the frequency of occurrence,
What is the source on the neighbouring land that is causing the problem,
Take photos of the stormwater problem as it is occurring,
Whether you made contact with Council about this issue previously,
Describe how your land and/or building are being damaged. (if possible include a written, report from a suitably qualified person stating the land or building is likely to or is being damaged),
Whether you obtained professional advice as to the source of the stormwater issue,
Whether you liaised with your neighbor to address this matter,
Whether you sought advice or initiated mediation with your neighbour through the Community Justices Centre. Community Justice Centre offers free advice and mediation services and can be contacted on 1800 990 777 or through their website cjc.nsw.gov.au

Natural Flow/Sloping Blocks

Natural flow is the path down the slope following the contours of the land and occurs before any excavation, development or building. An upstream property owner cannot be held liable merely because surface water flows naturally from their land on to the lower land of a neighbour.

The upstream property owner may be liable if the water is made to flow in a more concentrated form than it would naturally flow. Ideally, runoff should be directed to the street, or to a drainage system if provided. Property owners need to be aware that landscaping can change the topography of a property and the way it distributes water.

Council is unlikely to investigate stormwater complaints involving the natural flow of stormwater one property to another.

Buildings Currently Under Construction

Complaints about buildings under construction that are subject to a current building approval should, in the first instance, be referred to the responsible Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) or the Builder.

The details for the Principal Certifying Authority and Builder should be visible on the building sign on the front of the premises.

The individual builder remains responsible for all stormwater installations permitted under the development consent whilst the building is under construction. In the event of a complaint, the PCA has enforcement powers and must take appropriate action under relevant legislation.

Seepage Water

Seepage water is the responsibility of individual property owners. Where sloping blocks have been excavated to obtain a flat yard or building site, seepage drains should be constructed to collect and redirect water to an approved stormwater drainage system.

You should liaise with neighbours to address any problems. If possible, drainage easements can be created to direct water to a Council stormwater drainage system.

Localised Overland Flooding

Localised overland flooding may occur when one or more of the following happens:

The amount of rainfall exceeds the design capacity of the stormwater and roof drainage system,
Private inlets pits and pipes are undersized or become blocked,
A building or a fence is obstructing the overland flow path.

You can be held liable for damages if changes on your property increase flood levels and associated risk on an adjoining property.

Drainage Easements

A drainage easements is a legal encumbrance on the title of a property to provide. Council with the authority to carry out whatever works are required on drainage infrastructure within the easements. The infrastructure can include open drainage channels, below ground pipe systems and grated inlets that are designed to accept allotment and roof water together with large upstream catchment stormwater flows,

Generally, no structures or improvements (such as dwellings, buildings and landscaping treatments including earthworks, retaining walls and fill) are permitted within the easement boundaries.

The property owner is responsible for the maintenance of an easement on private property. Council is not responsible for vegetation maintenance, including the clearing of weeds and trees or any other maintenance of overgrown vegetation, to watercourses or easements located within private property. However, Council may carry out maintenance work to stormwater drainage infrastructure located within drainage easements on private property, as deemed necessary, to ensure the efficient operation of the system.

Disputes Resolution

If you wish to formally mange dispute resolutions, you may consider contacting the Community Justice Centre. The Centre offers free advice and mediation services and can be contacted on 1800 990 777 or through their website cjc.nsw.gov.au