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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is a catchment?A catchment is an area of land that collects surface water which then drains to a common river or major body of water. Catchments are separated by hills or ridges which direct the surface water into creeks, drains and channels. Unfortunately however, when the water is collected so too are pollutants that are in gutters, on roads, and in creeks and drains. What is the difference between the stormwater system and the sewerage system?People are often confused about the difference between the stormwater system and the sewage system. Water that enters the sewage system (ie. water originating from bathrooms and kitchens etc) is transported to treatment plants that remove a considerable proportion of pollutants, before discharging into our waterways. The stormwater system on the other hand is an almost direct network of drains, which flush into our waterways with no intervention or processing. Is stormwater pollution a big problem in the Great Lakes?Yes. An indication of the quantity of gross pollutants such as litter entering our waterways is reflected in the quantities captured by the stormwater litter baskets. Currently, the litter baskets in the Forster CBD area are capturing over 100kg of pollution each month. Other pollutants less visible however, such as nutrients from fertilisers and detergents, are less obvious but remain a significant threat to local water quality. What kinds of pollutants are found in the stormwater system?The most common stormwater pollutants found in the stormwater system include:
Will my contribution to the prevention of stormwater pollution really help?A reduction in pollution no matter how small is beneficial to the quality of our waterways. The cumulative impact from such actions equals clean stormwater and healthy and productive waterways. What is the difference between point source and diffuse pollution?Point source pollution is pollution from specific points entering waterways such as discharges from pipes, drains and sewers. Diffuse pollution on the other hand is from non-point sources such as runoff from urban or rural areas. Have people been fined for polluting local waterways?Yes. A number of people have been fined under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act for pollution of waterways.
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Last Updated 31 August 2005 |
