Who Is Responsible For Stormwater Drains In QLD?

Many homeowners are unsure who is responsible for storm water drains when flooding or erosion happens.

Stormwater responsibilities sit in a grey area between property owners and local councils, especially when drains overflow, back up, or cause damage to nearby structures. If water is pooling at the edge of your driveway or overflowing from a backyard grate onto a neighbour’s property, it can be unclear who should step in. This confusion can lead to disputes, delays in maintenance, or even council fines if proper action isn’t taken.

So with so much riding on it, who is responsible for storm water drains, precisely?

That’s a common question our Tweed Heads & Gold Coast drain plumbers are asked, so let’s explore it.

The purpose of effective stormwater management is to:

Protect your property – A properly designed stormwater system directs runoff away from vulnerable areas, preserving the integrity of your building and outdoor spaces.

Protect your neighbours’ property – Stormwater that isn’t managed correctly on your land can flow into adjacent properties. This can lead to disputes, liability issues, and expensive repairs.

Minimise pollution – Stormwater can carry oils, pesticides, litter, and sediment into local waterways if not filtered or redirected properly. Managing runoff reduces contaminants entering the creeks.

Safeguard personal & community health and convenience – Stagnant water from poor drainage can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria. Flooded walkways, soggy yards, and muddy entrances also reduce the usability of your home and neighbourhood.

When Stormwater Becomes Your Responsibility in Brisbane

In Brisbane, stormwater runoff poses a serious challenge due to frequent heavy rainfall and the city’s varied topography. Improperly managed runoff pollutes waterways, floods properties, and causes significant disruption.

Individual landowners are responsible for managing stormwater runoff within the boundaries of their properties. However, local councils, which manage the broader community stormwater network, have the authority to intervene if a landowner’s poor drainage practices.

If the quality of the water flowing off your land is deemed unacceptable or if it contributes to pollution or flooding, the council may require corrective action to protect public infrastructure and community wellbeing.

Your Stormwater Responsibilities Under QLD Environmental Laws

If your stormwater system is causing problems and a complaint or investigation is in effect, Queensland’s Planning Act 2016, as well as the Environmental Protection Act 1994, empowers the imposition of on-the-spot fines, with major offences punished to the tune of up to $1 million.

In a nutshell, when considering who is responsible for stormwater runoff in Qld, it is the property owner’s responsibility to:

• Make sure a legal and compliant stormwater connection is present
• Maintain roof infrastructure, tank overflow and stormwater pipes all the way to the connection point
• No water is polluted with soil, building waste, concrete, paint and other pollutants are discharged into waterways.

What if a neighbour is breaching their stormwater responsibility?

Stormwater disputes across neighbourhood boundaries are common, which is why Queensland councils implement clear processes for complaints to be resolved.

If the issue stems from the installation of a pool, fence, landscaping, or building structure, the council may avoid legal involvement and instead recommend resolving the matter as a civil dispute between the parties.

Local councils recommend first speaking with or writing to your neighbour to raise the issue and seek a private, amicable resolution. If that approach fails, you may contact the Department of Justice to request mediation. Civil action should only be considered as a last resort, particularly if your property is experiencing damage as a result.

Get Reliable Stormwater Help Anywhere on the Gold Coast

If your stormwater system or drains are causing problems, the trusted experts in Gold Coast stormwater drainage solutions are ready to assist. At Drain Masters Plumbing, our plumbers provide fast, cost-effective solutions for all stormwater and plumbing issues.

We address blocked stormwater drains and damaged pipes, to professional gutter and downpipe repairs. Let our licensed team restore your drainage system with precision and long-lasting results.

Give the friendly team at Drain Masters Plumbing a call today. Whether you’re in Mermaid Waters, Varsity Lakes, Coombabah, Elanora or anywhere in the Gold Coast, we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a sanitary drain and a storm drain?

A sanitary drain (or sewer system) carries wastewater from inside your home to a municipal treatment plant. This water is treated before being released into the environment.

In contrast, a storm drain is designed to carry rainwater and surface runoff away from streets to prevent flooding. This water flows untreated into local creeks, rivers, or coastal areas.

Because storm drains don’t filter pollutants, it’s important not to dispose of chemicals, paint, or other household waste through them. Doing so can contaminate waterways. 

Why are storm drains steaming?

Steaming from storm drains is caused by warm air or moisture escaping from underground systems. It is harmless and related to temperature differences between the ground and the air above. If the steam has a chemical smell, discolouration, or persists unusually long, it could indicate contaminated runoff, illegal discharges, or a cross-connection with sewer lines.

Is bleach safe for storm drains?

No, bleach should not be poured into storm drains. Storm drains lead directly into natural water systems without any filtration, so introducing harsh chemicals like bleach can contribute to water pollution.