Reduce flooding risks on your property

Read the video transcript.

Keep drains clear

Keep drains clear of litter, debris, leaves and rubbish.

Avoid planting near pipes. Roots may damage or block underground pipes.

If you are building or renovating, keep sediment and construction waste away from drains.

To get assistance, look for a registered plumber or drainage contractor. See the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board website.

Add permeable areas

If you plan to landscape or build, consider adding more permeable areas.

Besides lawns and grassy patches, there are pavements that absorb water. Permeable pavements have a porous surface that allows stormwater to soak through. This minimises runoff going into drains.

Porous concrete and asphalt are good permeable paving for car parks, driveways and paths.

Manage water flow

Be mindful of how water flows and collects on your property. Take a note of low areas where water may pool.

Shape your driveway and other paved areas so that water flows away from your house and into a drain.

If the ground level outside your house is the same as the inside floor level you are more likely to be flooded. Maintain a step up between the outside and inside of your house.

Do not block overland flow paths

An overland flow path is a route that rain takes to reach waterways during heavy rainfall. When blocked, it can cause flooding in your property or onto neighbouring properties.

Do not build fences, sheds and other structures that block overland flow paths. Raising the ground level around such paths may cause more flooding.

You have to accept stormwater runoff that naturally flows onto your property. To know more, read the Stormwater Bylaw.

To know more about overland flow paths and how to manage them, see Healthy Waters forms and guides.

Design to minimise damage

If you live in an area at risk of flooding, it may be impossible to divert all water away from your building.

If you're designing a new building or renovation in these areas, you should:

• raise your floor level
• choose flood-resistant wall and floor coverings
• place electrical sockets higher on the wall.

See the National Emergency Management Agency website for more information.