Today we look at the 3 common and popular WSUD Stormwater and rainwater devices found on private properties and residencies. These include Rainwater Tanks, Biofilters and Pit Inserts. All offered for installation and maintenance by our team.
Rainwater Tank
A water tank captures and holds roof water for reuse purposes on-site. It also plays a part in local flood control. It’s important that the tank is filled and emptied regularly to avoid health hazards from water stored for extended periods.
Mechanical components such as pumps, filters, backflow prevention devices, and valves require specialist skills to service. Rainwater tank maintenance/monitoring may also require specialised equipment for safety issues and challenging access (e.g on roofs, rank desludging).
Basic checks and maintenance to keep the rainwater tank in working condition can be undertaken by the property owner. This includes; confirming the pump is running when expected, cleaning leaf debris from screens/filters, and replacing these when accessible.
However, care should be taken when cleaning gutters.Under no circumstances should an unsilenced person enter a confined space such as a rainwater tank.
Biofilters
Biofilters (also referred to as Bioretention systems or rain gardens) are engineered garden beds that filter stormwater runoff through a vegetated filter media. Treatment of stormwater occurs as the water infiltrates/soaks down vertically through the system, where plant roots and microbes in the soil naturally remove pollutants. Biofilters can be constructed as basins (in raised beds, planter boxes or at ground level), swales or medians, and will have the same inspection and maintenance requirements.
Biofilter condition inspections can typically be undertaken by the property owner as specialised equipment to access and view the system is generally not required. Depending on the outcomes of the inspection, a further specialised assessment may be needed.
To find the causes of some issues observed, such as clogging or plant loss, larger systems may require specialised equipment such as a high-pressure hose and suction truck to clean the underground pits and pipes.
Pit inserts
These devices are fitted into stormwater drainage pits to capture litter, debris and other pollutants from urban runoff. They are often used as the primary treatment of stormwater before it enters a secondary or tertiary treatment system.
Many proprietary pit inserts are available on the market. We have approved (or provided interim approval) for two proprietary products; Ocean Guard and the StormSack.
Emptying of rubbish and gross pollutants is a simple task and may only require equipment to lift the pit cover. If the screening bag is damaged or clogged, it must be replaced. In situations that require confined space entry, this should be carried out by an appropriately licensed contractor.
Property owners should not attempt to enter any confined spaces as this is dangerous. Property owners or owners’ corporations will need to engage suitably qualified contractors to undertake the asset condition inspections and to carry out any required maintenance.
Stormwater Sydney provides complete stormwater management for commercial and residential properties. Design, Cleaning, Maintenance, Repairs, Construction, and Advisory on stormwater systems across Sydney, ensuring compliance with Sydney standards and Council regulations.