Stormwater is water that runs off our roofs, driveways, footpaths, roads, and gardens. On its journey to the drain, it picks up a heap of contaminants (pollution) and flows untreated into our rivers, streams and the sea. Do your bit to help keep our stormwater clean.

In Canterbury’s urban centres, stormwater grates line the sides of our streets. Many people assume that what goes down these drains must get treated, but in most situations, this is not the case. Stormwater can pick up a number of pollutants like rubbish and debris, chemicals, spills and soil. 

Construction and maintenance to improve stormwater quality comes at a hefty cost to Councils, and ratepayers foot the bill. This is why prevention is key when it comes to fighting pollution and keeping our stormwater clean.

We’re asking people to help make our waterways cleaner, healthier, and safer by being mindful when doing everyday projects around the house.

Household contaminants can pollute stormwater

When we aren’t tidy about how we do DIY activities around our homes, gardens, and vehicles, we can add nasty chemicals and other pollutants like sediment to our stormwater network.

Common household projects like painting or car washing can mean the use of toxic substances and detergents outside. Using these products improperly, or not cleaning up well after the job is done, can mean real problems for the waterways in our region.