How to drain stormwater runoff from your property

Has your lawn become a lake? With the excessive amount of stormwater that La Nina is bringing us, it’s time to look at how to drain the stormwater from your property.

Stormwater runoff takes place when there is more water than the ground can absorb. This stormwater can cause extensive damage to your property by flooding but also bring other hazards such as sediment, litter and chemicals. But, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of stormwater problems and drain the runoff if you already have an excess of stormwater.

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is water that drains off your property from the rain that falls on your roof and land. This water is not as clean as rainwater, which is referring purely to the rain that falls on your roof. Stormwater will usually contain soil, plant materials, litter and general detritus that it has picked up along the way. This contaminated water doesn’t flow into the sewer system in Australia though, so it is not treated before it runs into the sea.

In urban areas, drainage is installed to veer excess water away from properties and into the stormwater system. In NSW, you are responsible for managing stormwater drainage on your property so, what are your options to diminish the stormwater runoff? Let us lay them out for you.

What can you do to reduce the stormwater runoff on your property?

Redirect runoff - trench drains

Waterlogging of your beautiful lawn is certainly an issue at the moment, not to mention the damage to your property that this can lead to. Trench drains are basically surface gutter-like drains that irrigate the stormwater off your property and into the soil.

Install a rain barrel

Put a rain barrel or tank in to capture stormwater runoff from your roof. You can then redirect the downspouts from your gutters into the rain barrel, providing that your gutters are clear. The water collected in the tank can be used to irrigate your garden and is a great way to store and utilise stormwater.

Plant a rain garden

Rain gardens are basically garden beds strategically placed to absorb rainwater runoff. They can be designed to take the runoff from your roof or driveway, but make sure you place it at least 3 metres from your property. As the stormwater runoff soaks into the soil, the plant roots will absorb it and filter out pollutants.

Plant native trees

Not only do trees provide a canopy to slow the stormwater reaching the ground and dispersing it over a larger area but the roots also absorb and filter the runoff.

Reduce impenetrable surfaces - install permeable pavement

Choose a permeable material for your driveway or pathway. More economical options include gravel, crushed shells or aggregate base. Also, replace concrete slabs with pavers, flagstones or bricks that allow water to soak into the gaps between the stones. For driveways, consider leaving a grass strip up the middle.

Install a storm drain system

Always engage the expertise of qualified stormwater drainage experts to install a storm drainage system to keep stormwater away from your property. Check local regulations for compliance as to connect a stormwater system to a waterway in NSW, you must gain approval from the NSW Office of Water.;

Stormwater drainage specialists

Drainage specialists can also overcome problems with your stormwater system, which lead to increased flooding by:

Clear excess leaf litter off your roof
Clear your gutters and downpipes
Check your stormwater drains aren’t blocked
Ensure the council stormwater system is clear
Investigate your drains to make sure there are no broken or leaking drain pipes

If you have any further questions about stormwater, stormwater runoff or drainage, give the qualified specialists a call at Everyday Plumbing on 0488 801 008 or complete the online enquiry form.

References:
www.epa.gov/soakuptherain
www.yourhome.gov.au
www.bioadvanced.com