Our stormwater network
We maintain and operate approximately 92 kilometres of stormwater assets throughout the Lower Hunter region. Find out where these assets are located and how each system effectively transports stormwater.
Stormwater
Stormwater is rainwater that falls in urban areas and runs off hard surfaces like roofs, roads, car parks, paths and driveways into stormwater drains.
Stormwater initially flows into small drains which lead to larger stormwater drains and eventually join large (trunk) channels, culverts or pipes that carry the water to creeks, lakes, rivers, harbours and the ocean.
What's in stormwater?
Stormwater is water that falls from the sky when we experience a wet weather event. Stormwater carries all the things that collect on hard surfaces, like roads, footpaths, driveways and roofs. Some examples of things in stormwater include, litter such as plastic bottles, food packaging and cigarette butts, oil and grease from cars, dirt, leaves, twigs, animal droppings and chemicals.
Illegal stormwater connections
It is illegal to connect stormwater to your sewer system as this increases the flow in our sewer network during wet weather and can lead to overflows in the environment.
Keeping stormwater clean
Hunter Water and Councils currently have a number of stormwater treatment devices to help keep stormwater clean. However, the whole community also needs to play its part to prevent rubbish, sediment, chemicals and leaf matter entering the stormwater system. Keeping our stormwater clean helps to keep our creeks and waterways healthy.
Stay safe around stormwater
Stormwater channels, culverts and pipes can be dangerous places. It is important that you don’t go into the stormwater system even if the weather is fine. Stormwater systems are dangerous because:
- Water can rise quickly and unexpectedly, even when it's not raining in the local area.
- Huge amounts of water can suddenly wash into the drain when it does rain.
- You may not be able to get out of a stormwater system if you are swept away by the stormwater and it is possible that you could even drown.
- Even shallow water can be very powerful and could knock you over.
- Drains can contain pollution like broken glass, needles, dangerous chemicals and disease-causing bacteria.
During heavy rainfall areas can also become flooded including roads and footpaths. When areas are flooded it is important to keep away or make sure you can clearly see where you're walking. Do not drive through flooded areas.
Throsby Creek Government Agencies Committee
We are working together to further improve the environment of the Throsby Creek waterway and its surrounds and the amenity of the area for residents, visitors and commercial users.