Unlike sewage, stormwater is not treated.

In some cases it's filtered through traps, usually located at the end of the pipe system, but it still flows directly from streets and gutters into our rivers, the harbour and the ocean

There are three main types of stormwater pollution

All types ends up discharging into waterways as sediment, sludge and solids. These can be caught in pollution traps, but the most effective way to reduce this problem is to prevent pollution entering the stormwater system in the first place. The traps don't catch all the silt or litter, they don't stop chemicals and are very expensive to maintain.

1. litter, such as cigarette butts, cans, paper or plastic bags (sometimes called gross pollutants).

2. chemical pollution, such as detergents, oil or fertilisers

3. natural pollution, such as leaves, garden clippings, animal droppings, sediment and silt.

STORMWATER - Who's responsible?

Everyone has a part to play. Reducing the pollution depends on every person preventing harmful natural or chemical substances entering the drains.

Council is responsible for controlling and maintaining stormwater systems. However, it is everyone's responsibility to reduce the amount of rubbish and pollution that is carried into the drains. Local councils and rate payers have to foot the bill for cleaning out pollution traps, and it's much more cost-effective to stop the problem at the top of the pipe than further downstream.

Effects of Stormwater on plants and animals

• Stormwater pollution can kill plants and animals that live in the water.
• Sediment in the water reduces light penetration and affects photosynthesis, the processes that allow plants to use light as their source of energy.
• When green waste decays in water it uses up oxygen, taking vital oxygen away from plants, fish and other aquatic animals.
• Soil makes waterways cloudy and can suffocate fish by clogging their gills.
• Litter clogs waterways and causes toxicity as it breaks down. It affects the health of birds, fish and other animals and plants that live in the waterways.

Effects of Stormwater on humans

Stormwater eventually feeds into our waterways. Healthy waterways mean a healthy future for the environment and the economy and for us. For example:

• bacteria pose a health risk to humans. It can be dangerous to swim immediately after rain;
• ugly pollution destroys the visual amenity of our waterways

What does the Trust do to improve water quality?

• Stormwater Management Plan Prepared in partnership with the local councils.
• Released 5,000 bass fingerlings into Lake Parramatta.
• Swim Towards 2005 -a program to help make Lake Parramatta suitable for swimming by 2005.
• Helped Blacktown Council create a wetland at a dry detention basin at Lancelot Street, Blacktown and currently constructing another at Metella Road, Girraween.
• Streamwatch 19 High Schools.
• Funds professional water quality testing to gain a long term look at the health of the waterways.