Please check your stormwater connection

19 March 2024

Stormwater and wastewater use 2 separate plumbing systems that must never connect.

Wastewater is the water that’s poured into sinks, flushed down toilets and drained from showers and baths. It flows through Council’s sewer network to one of the Tweed’s 8 wastewater treatment plants.

Stormwater runs off roofs and pathways through stormwater pipes to local waterways.

Water and Wastewater Operations Manager Brie Jowett said at some homes, stormwater downpipes illegally connect to sewer pipes.

“These connections are illegal because they can cause sewage overflows when it rains, impacting the health of our community and natural environment,” Mrs Jowett said.  

“Our crews detect incorrect connections when doing visual checks and through smoke testing, when we pump a small amount of safe smoke into wastewater pipes.

“If one of your downpipes connects to a sewer pipe at your home, please contact a licenced plumber to get it fixed.”

Mrs Jowett said an important piece of plumbing that prevents sewage overflows inside homes was frequently covered up by pot plants, mats, concrete or paving.

“It’s called an overflow relief gully and if yours is covered up, it won’t be able to do its job and you could find sewage overflowing inside your home should your sewer pipes get blocked,” she said.

“Again, a licensed plumber is the best person to help you fix the problem.”

Find out more at tweed.nsw.gov.au/keep-stormwater-out-of-your-sewer-pipes.

Image above: The downpipe on the far left is illegal – it directs stormwater to the home’s sewer pipes, which can cause sewage overflows when it rains. It’s been fixed, as shown on the right. Photo credit: Unitywater.