Stormwater

Council is responsible for the care and maintenance of the local public stormwater drainage network.

Property owners are responsible for all drainage infrastructure related to water drainage on private property. This also includes sections of pipe in the road reserve that discharge stormwater to the kerb or pipe connections to a Council drain.

Stormwater infrastructure responsibility

Each property is allocated with a location to direct its stormwater drainage; typically, this location will be to a Council underground drain or to the kerb and channel in the adjacent roadway. This discharge location is known as the Legal Point of Discharge (LPOD). All drainage issues beyond this point are the responsibility of Council.

All drainage infrastructure related to the drainage of private properties up to the LPOD is the responsibility of the property owner. This includes sections of pipe in the nature strip or road reserve that discharge stormwater to the kerb or pipe connections (tapping) to a Council drain.

The property owner is responsible for ensuring that stormwater pipes are connected to the Council nominated LPOD and that their stormwater run-off does not affect other property owners.

New developments and renovations

When undertaking development on private land, stormwater that is not adequately retained on site must be discharged to the Council stormwater system.  If a LPOD does not currently exist, one must be provided if all stormwater cannot be managed on site. In this case, you need to include the location of the proposed LPOD as part of your application for development approval.

Any works needed to be undertaken in a road reserve will also require Council approval. This can be done concurrently with a development assessment process or by lodging a separation application for domestic stormwater connection via the Stormwater and service connections page.

Blocked stormwater drainage pipes on private property

All drainage infrastructure related to the drainage of private properties is the responsibility of the property owner, including any sections of pipe that discharge water to the kerb and channel, or pipe connections to a Council drain. For issues relating to private drainage, it is recommended you contact a licensed plumber to investigate.

Stormwater intrusion from a neighbour’s property

Problems with overland stormwater flows between neighbours are a matter to be resolved between the respective landowners. Respective landowners should discuss the situation to find a mutually agreeable solution.

Further information can be found on the Legal Services Commission of SA website

Council drainage and heavy rainfalls

Council’s underground drainage system was designed based on industry best practice at the time of their installation. As such, the underground drainage system should be able to contain up to 80% of the rainfall events that occur during any year. However, during storm events that exceed this probability, it is expected that the capacity of the Council stormwater drainage network will be exceeded and overland flows will result.

During extreme rainfall events, these overland flows may result in flooding of roads and properties. Properties in low lying areas and natural gullies are most at risk . Property owners are encouraged to keep overland flow paths clear of objects that will obstruct the flow of water and increase the risk of inundation to habitable areas.

While Council does not hold responsibility for excessive overland flows which occur during heavy rainfalls (as noted on the Legal Services Commission South Australia Website, '…legal liability does not attach where water flows naturally across a boundary (as a result of rain, floods, or the slope of the land)'), for any reported instances of property flooding, Council will inspect and will endeavour to help in addressing the issue to achieve a viable solution.

If not already in place, it is recommended that the property owners consider installing their own flood mitigation measures (i.e. strip drains, grate drains, sumps, etc.) to help manage stormwater which may enter their property.

Council stormwater pit blockage

Blocked stormwater drains can be reported to Council by visiting Online Services.