Cleaner Waterways

Everyday

• Don’t throw cigarette butts or litter onto the ground. Anything that floats will end up in the rivers or on the beach.

Building or renovating

• Don’t pour oil, wastewater or paint down the stormwater drain or gutter.
• Make sure sand and other materials are kept away from stormwater drains and gutters.
• Don’t wash equipment, tools or paint brushes where the wastewater will run into stormwater drains.
• Cover stockpiled sand and cement to prevent materials from being blown or washed into the stormwater system.
• • Check out our Fact Sheet full of Eco-friendly Advice for DIY Projects

Cars

• Use a commercial car wash which recycles water and directs wastewater to the sewer.
• Wash your car on the lawn not in the street or driveway where detergents and grime can go down the stormwater drains.
• Fix oil and radiator leaks on your car to prevent these substances washing into our waterways.

Gardening

• Use a broom to clean driveways and footpaths and put the dirt in the compost or your own backyard. Don’t hose it into the gutter.
• Use leaves and lawn clipping for compost, don’t hose or sweep them into the gutter.
• Use garden fertilisers or chemicals sparingly and never near drains and natural waterways. Especially avoid during windy conditions or when rain is forecast.
• Plant native plants that use less water and drop less leaves.

Outdoors – around the house

• Make sure swimming pools are backwashed into the sewer, not the stormwater drain.

Pets

• Don’t let dog or other animal droppings get into the gutter – bury them in the garden or dispose of them in a sealed bag in the bin.
• When walking your dog, make sure you carry a plastic bag or a ‘pooper-scooper’ to pick up your dog’s droppings.

Farms

• If you own a farm, fence the waterways to prevent livestock from polluting water and eroding banks and creek beds.

• Ensure a professional cleans your septic tank of sludge at least every three years and check that it’s working efficiently.

Other

• All businesses should have an emergency spill response plan to deal with hazardous materials to prevent spills being washed down the drain.
• Get involved with community groups to share ideas about increasing water quality and reducing pollution.

Check my septic tank

If you are septic system owner you are responsible for ensuring that your septic system is safe and working properly. A failing septic system is a health risk for your family and the community and may be causing harm to the environment.

This booklet shows you how to manage your septic system safely.

The Stormwater management guidelines for septic tanks also has more information.