Introduction to managing stormwater

Stormwater is rainwater that hasn’t been absorbed into the ground. This water can be quite destructive as it runs off roofs, gardens, and other surfaces. Stormwater runoff is a system in which this water is managed by drains and pipes to channel the water from your house and street to natural waterways, such as oceans and rivers.

Stormwater is a fact of life for all homeowners. It can be destructive and wasteful if not managed properly. As we approach the wet season in Adelaide, we’d like to share some helpful strategies to manage stormwater efficiently and effectively.

Managing stormwater as a homeowner

The main purpose of managing stormwater is to reduce the amount of destruction the rainwater causes as it flows to the drains. In a well-managed system, the homeowner will use as much of the stormwater as possible and guide excess water into drains. 

Stormwater can also be captured and the water reused. Below are a few ways to efficiently manage stormwater for maximum use on your property.

-       Rainwater collection: this involves collecting water from your roof and storing it in a rainwater tank where it can be used as needed. A good option to consider is to connect your rainwater tank to your washing machine, toilet, and other appliances to reduce water costs and waste.

-       Underground water storage: these storage systems filter water that runs into them and can vary in size. The collected water is mainly used for irrigation above or below the surface.

-       Stormwater detention tanks: these tanks are specifically designed to have split storage inside. One compartment detains the stormwater whilst the other stores rainwater.

-       Infiltration system: these advanced systems are designed to temporarily collect, filter, and store stormwater and gradually release it into the ground. This replenishes the water table at a sustainable and natural rate.

The first step to efficiently managing stormwater is having a specific goal in mind. This can be to simply manage stormwater without damage to your home, collect rainwater for irrigation use, or reduce water costs. Once you have a goal, you can then start taking steps to set up a stormwater management system that benefits you.

Planning a new build, renovation or extension

Stormwater is an important consideration when you are looking to build. Check in with your local builder for advice specific to your area. Council requirements often vary and it is a good idea to have all bases covered to make sure that your property is well equipped to handle the wetter seasons.

When considering a renovation or extension, the existing infrastructure will need to be taken into consideration. Old systems can struggle to cope with additional flow from an extension which significantly increases the amount of stormwater that needs to be managed. If a bathroom or bathroom renovation is involved, the existing waste system will also need to be inspected. Your builder should also be able to advise if any waste/stormwater system upgrades will be required in order to ensure that your home is adherent to the current codes and standards.