The City has over 100km of bluestone guttering which cannot be cleaned mechanically due to access problems. Trees, bollards, driveway crossovers and a variety of other obstacles make it impractical to operate machinery in these locations. Bluestone gutters are cleaned on a annual basis and as required depending on particular circumstances. Most bluestone gutters must be cleaned manually. The City of Ballarat utilises both Council and contractor staff to carry out this work.

Bluestone gutters are also sprayed on a seasonal basis to reduce weeds.