Unitywater Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions Daniel Lambert said during storms and heavy rainfall, large volumes of stormwater inundated the sewerage network, overloading it and causing sewage overflows.
“Stormwater and sewerage are two different systems and shouldn’t mix, however there are some points in our network where stormwater enters and causes issues,” he said.
“Our sewerage network is designed to handle increased capacity during wet weather, but not the volumes that we’ve been experiencing in our region recently. It’s important we pinpoint the issues and correct them.”
Mr Lambert said some homes and businesses had private stormwater pipes incorrectly connected to the sewerage network and Unitywater’s inspection program would help identify these.
“Our crews will be inspecting Unitywater’s infrastructure and private outdoor plumbing as part of the sewer network testing. We may require access to private property and backyards but we’ll always provide notice of the inspection and a courtesy doorknock to let residents know we are there,” he said.
Mr Lambert said if any defective or non-compliant connections were found, Unitywater would contact the property owner to advise how to fix them.
“We know it’s easy to not think twice about sewerage infrastructure but everyone can do their bit to help avoid overflows on their property and protect our environment,” Mr Lambert said.
The sewer network testing will take place from August – December 2022 in the following suburbs:
- Buddina
- Caloundra
- Eumundi
- Nambour
- Palmwoods
- Pelican Waters
- Warana
- Yandina.
More information can be found on our Sewer network testing page.
