What is Storm water?

Storm Water is Rain Water ,in Natures water cycle ,that falls onto the Land and Buildings (off roofs into gutters and down pipes); a lot of it soaks into the ground and becomes part of the ground water; the rest runs off the land ’ s hard surfaces and flows in to, and becomes part off, the Water ways.

How does it affect my Property?

If Storm Water is not carried away quickly then land and personal property may flood causing property damage, and in severe cases personal danger. If Storm water carries away pollutants off your property you are allowing these pollutants to escape into the Water ways and the Lakes.

Keeping Storm water clean?

As storm water flows, it washes the hard surfaces that it flows over and picks up any contaminants that are available ,and then this clean storm water becomes polluted(not clean) with for instance ;cigarette butts, litter, excrement, dirt, plants ,petrol ,oil, diesel, nutrients, toxics, chemicals, heavy metals ,and other materials left behind. Click here for more information on Stormwater.

How does the Council deal with Storm water?

Your Regional Council is responsible for the Region’s water ways and issues consents to your District Council to discharge the DISTRICT Council’s Reticulated-Piped Storm Water Drains into your local Water Way and the Lake.

The District Council, as your Territorial Authority, provides Reticulated-Piped, Storm Water Drainage Systems to take your property’s storm water and discharge it into the local stream and lake.

Do I have to meet any conditions to discharge into The District Council’s Storm water drains?

Yes, Council has storm water bylaw conditions (select Water Services and Tradewaste Bylaws from bylaws list) that control the pollution that may be discharged.

Do  I need a STORM WATER LICENSE  licence to discharge into RDC’s reticulated storm water drains?

If you have a trading  premises that has rain water running off  the premises site into Council’ s drains ,then yes you need to apply for a STORM WATER LICENSE to discharge; please ring the Pollution Control Officers on ph 07 348 4199 or email using the following  email link;(PollutionControl@rdc.govt.nz).

Who do we contact about Storm water issues?