Wastewater overflows explained
Channel: Tasman District Council
Date: 2019-09-24

Video showing how wastewater overflows happen, and how you can help.

As a large region, we are lucky to have so many beautiful rivers and beaches to enjoy and want to protect.

But like other places, Tasman has had wastewater overflows when heavy rain hits our region.

This means wastewater overflows to land, and can get into our waterways.

It's bad for our ecosystems, and frankly, it's not pleasant for anyone.
This is something that the Council has been working very hard to address.

We're in the process of inspecting our own properties and there's also an extensive programme of repairs and renewals under way. 

Here's the issue: 

When it rains, if the drains aren't set up right, water gets into the sewer instead of going into the stormwater system where it's meant to go.

When it rains a lot, the system can't take all the rain and it overflows - but it brings all the nasty bits from the sewer with it.

We also know that part of the problem is coming from issues of private property. 
This is where you can help.
Please check that your gully traps are set up right. 
The same goes for your downpipes. Are they connected to the stormwater system?

There's a handy checklist on the website, so you know what to look for.

If you do think something isn't right, please get it sorted. You'll be part of the solution, not part of the problem.