Stormwater
Everyone can help improve the health of our waterways by reducing pollution in our stormwater system.
What is Stormwater?
When it rains, the water than runs off hard surfaces such as roads, roofs and driveways is known as 'stormwater'. Stormwater drains to our waterways and the bay through a drainage network.
Who is responsible for managing stormwater?
Stormwater management can be categorised into two major areas, stormwater quantity and stormwater quality.
The management of urban stormwater in Frankston City is a shared arrangement between Frankston City Council and Melbourne Water.
The management of stormwater quality is addressed through Council's Stormwater Management Plan, which identifies the opportunities for improving the quality of urban stormwater before it discharges into our highly valued waterways.
Frankston City has a number of significant waterways. These include Boggy Creek, Kananook Creek and Sweetwater Creek.
What types of pollutants harm our stormwater
What enters our stormwater drains ends up in our waterways and beaches. When it rains, litter (such as cigarette butts), soil from erosion, oils, animal waste and other forms of pollution from the street are carried into the drainage system.
Polluted stormwater is a significant threat to the health and quality of our waterways and Port Phillip Bay.
For more information on how the stormwater system works, visit Melbourne Water's web site.
What you can do to help:
- Don't litter - what ends up in our streets eventually drains to the bay!
- Keep your rubbish and recycling bins secure - never let it blow away or fall out of the bin
- Dispose of paints and solvents properly - Visit Melbourne Water web site for more information
- Always pick up after you pet - don't let animal wastes pollute our beaches (you don't want to swim in it do you?)
What Council is doing
Council has implemented a range of initiatives to improve stormwater quality across Frankston City. Some of these initiatives include:
- Litter Traps - Installation of a number of litter traps in main drains to collect and trap litter that would otherwise end up in the creeks and the bay.
- Litter Education - Council runs a range of litter education programs and initiatives which aim to reduce the incidence of litter in our City, including the Plastic Bag and Cigarette Butt Free Campaigns.
- Water Sensitive Urban Design Guidelines - Council is currently developing Water Sensitive Urban Design Guidelines to encourage best practice environmental management of urban stormwater for Council and developers.
- Building and Works Code of Practice - Council employs an officer to monitor building sites for compliance with Council's Local Law and the Environment Protection Act 1970. All Building Permits are required to comply with all aspects of the Building and Works Code of Practice. Council provides education to those requiring assistance in achieving an acceptable standard of site management.
For further information regarding the Building and Works Code of Practice on-site advice, phone Frankston City Council's Asset Protection Officer on 1300 322 322.
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