Stormwater issues and investigations

Hobart is more than 200 years old, and the installation of stormwater infrastructure is relatively recent. This means that some parts of the city have limited or no infrastructure. This can lead to properties and roads being subject to inundation (flooding) or water-related nuisances.

Many properties discharge stormwater from roofs onto the ground or into sewer pipes. This may cause problems for neighbouring properties and the sewer network. Stormwater in the sewer network may cause sewer overflows during heavy rainfall. Where properties discharge onto the ground, downhill properties can be flooded.

Problems with the stormwater system generally appear during and immediately after rain. If there has been no rain in the preceding 72 hours it is unlikely to be a stormwater related issue.

Please report any faults or emergencies with the water main and sewerage systems to TasWater.

Bursts, leaks and blockages

This includes leaks from overflowing manholes or pipe blockages.

Investigations

We will investigate if:

areas outside of buildings are consistently wet or damp or are affected by slow running water
stormwater runoff from a nearby property is impacting your property
the public stormwater system is routinely inadequate and causing issues at your property
there is polluted runoff from a construction site
there has been any dumping of materials, pollutants or contaminated runoff into a waterway or any other part of the public stormwater system.

To request an investigation, please contact us.

Some situations will determine that problems are caused by damaged private plumbing. The owner of the building will need to contact a registered plumber to make repairs.

Private infrastructure

You will need to contact a registered plumber to investigate problems on private property. For example overflows from grated fittings around the building, or blockages in your pipes or driveway crossover.

Remember that the opening under your driveway where it meets the road outside your property is your responsibility to maintain and keep clear of leaves and debris.

Ground water

Ground water is water in the soil below the surface of the ground. There is ground water in almost all soil although in some places it may be more than others, or closer to the surface. After very heavy rainfall, increased ground water may result in puddles or ponding on the surface, and can even appear as though a pipe may have burst.

Ground water occurs naturally and cannot be prevented by us. If ground water is causing an issue at your property, you could consider:

installation of subsoil drains by a licensed plumber
waterproofing of basement and subfloor levels by a licensed builder.

Emergency flooding

In a life threatening emergency call Triple Zero, 000, immediately.

For general help in a flood or storm call the SES on 132 500.

If flood damage to your property has occurred:

contact your landlord if you are renting
contact your insurance provider if you are a homeowner.

Contact us to report damages to publicly owned stormwater assets. This includes leaks from overflowing inspection openings, pipe blockages, or open waterway blockages.