We have an ongoing problem of contaminants getting into our streams and waterways.
We’ve had fresh reports of paint and other pollutants coming out of stormwater pipes into our urban streams.
The outside drains on your property are connected to the stormwater system and anything put into these ends up in our local waterways without being treated.
Only rain and clean tap water should go down your outside stormwater drains which are the ones around the exterior of your house and can be identified by the downpipes coming from your roof.
Along with roadside gutters, they connect directly to our waterways, estuaries and the beach, so we need to be careful how we dispose of our run-off.
Our streams are home to hundreds of creatures living in a diverse range of ecosystems. Contaminants like paint, detergent, household pesticides and garden sprays can poison fish, eels and in some instances dogs that have contact with our waterways.
There are other ways of disposing of toxic liquids than tipping them down the drain.
Run-off from washing your car, cleaning chemicals, run-off from driveway and roof cleaning – even environmentally friendly chemicals, should be diverted or swept onto grass or non-productive garden areas.
Water from cleaning water-based paint brushes, even environmentally friendly paints, should be heavily diluted and drained into a laundry sink or toilet to go into the sewer system.
Extremely toxic waste like solvents, oil and fuel, chemical concentrates and leftover paint and glues need to be sealed in suitable containers and taken to the nearest Resource Recovery Centre.