Stormwater is water that runs off hard surfaces such as footpaths, roads and roofs when it rains. Stormwater becomes polluted with litter, nutrients, oil and sediment as it travels over these surfaces, through a system of pipes and channels and directly into local creeks and rivers. Most of Ballarats Stormwater flows into the Yarrowee River, then into the Leigh River, the Barwon River, and finally into Bass Strait at Barwon Heads. The polluted water threatens the plants and animals in these sensitive environments.

What is the Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP)?

Ballarats SWMP was prepared in 2002 to meet the standards of the State Environmental Protection Policy 'Waters of Victoria'. A number of different organisations and community groups participated in the process, including the EPA, Glenelg-Hopkins CMA, Corangamite CMA and DSE.

The Plan identifies values to be protected in Ballarats waterways, and outlines measures to improve the quality of urban Stormwater entering our creeks and rivers. It also promotes best practice Stormwater management in Ballarat.

Broad Objectives of the SWMP

• Stormwater quality improvement
• Protection of environmental values of aquatic and riparian ecosystems
• Integration into urban planning, design, landscape and municipal operations
• Support for Stormwater reuse, where appropriate
• Management of Stormwater drainage and flood mitigation

Key Priority Actions Key actions in the SWMP relate to:

• Land use planning
• Municipal operations
• Education and awareness
• Regulation and enforcement
• Structural treatment measures
• Flow control measures

A number of specific actions are listed for each waterway and sub-catchment.

What can you do to protect our stormwater?

10 Tips for Cleaner Waterways

You can help protect our Stormwater and make a difference to the communities, plants and animals which live downstream.

1. Bin all your litter and secure rubbish in bins and on trailers.
2. Clean up after your pets and place the droppings in your bin or compost.
3. Sweep up grass clippings and leaves, and use them in your compost. Sweep paths and gutters and place rubbish in the bin.
4. Avoid using pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers where they could wash from your garden, into the drain. Do not use when windy or raining.
5. Take care when building or landscaping. Ensure stockpiles of soil or sand are covered, and will not wash into the drainage system.
6. Dispose of chemical, oil and paint containers at household chemical collection sites.
7. Clean carefully dispose of dirty water onto your garden or down the toilet, not in the gutter or down the drain.
8. Wash your car on a grassed area, or use a carwash which recycles its water.
9. Maintain your car to prevent oil and fluid leaks onto the road.
10. Clean up spills using dry material such as paper, sand or sawdust. Never hose spills down the drain.

Specialist Stormwater advice is available for industries including cleaners, concreters, mobile cleaning businesses, painters, construction industry, auto repairs and commercial centres.