Tuesday, 9 September 2008
| 12ºC – Fair
| Telephone: 02 9777 1000
Normally when it rains, water that lands on grass or bushland seeps into the soil. However, development means that rain often falls on hard surfaces which it cannot seep into. It flows off as stormwater, and as it travels towards the creek it picks up whatever is lying around. This means it is easily polluted.
The stormwater from your roof, driveway and street flows directly into your local creek, harbour, or the Lane Cove River. Cleaning up backyards and streets prevents litter, dog droppings, leaves and oil from ending up polluting the water. Polluted water makes it hard not only for people to enjoy activities like swimming or fishing, but also harms wildlife and plants.
Willoughby Council assesses the quality of catchment water bi-annually. For the results, please contact Environmental Engineering through the Help & Service Centre or by emailing email@willoughby.nsw.gov.au.
The latest Stormwater Management Plan was drafted in 2003, and will shortly be up for review.
In previous years, Council has been given grants in order to survey resident’s attitudes on stormwater and educate them about the issue. This grant resulted in the ‘Streets to Creeks – Sailors Bay’ programme.
Willoughby City Council is working with other northern Sydney regional councils to provide information on their stormwater management programs. To find out more visit: