What is Stormwater?
Rain Becomes Stormwater When It Can’t Soak Into The Ground.
Stormwater is rain that runs off hard surfaces like roofs, roads, car parks and driveways, carrying whatever it picks up along the way.
In natural landscapes, plants and soil slow rainfall down, filtering it before it reaches local waterways.
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In built-up areas, roofs and roads speed rainfall up, carrying pollution straight into local waterways.
MYTH AND FACT
The Drain is Not a Treatment Plant.
Myth
Rainwater that enters a street drain is cleaned before it reaches our waterways.
Fact
Most stormwater flows untreated through drains into local creeks, rivers, harbours and beaches; carrying litter, oil, sediment, chemicals and microplastics with it.
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Every storm can wash pollution from our streets directly into the places we swim, fish and live around.
The Crisis By The Numbers
Every Storm Carries More Than Water.
Stormwater is one of the fastest ways pollution moves from our streets into beaches, rivers and harbours.
Pollution starts on land.
%
.
of ocean plastic pollution comes from land-based sources and it is primarily transported there by stormwater.
The biggest source is hiding in plain sight.
%
.
of Australians are unaware that stormwater is the biggest source of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans.
Our roads are shedding pollution every day.
Tonnes
of toxic tyre-wear pollution is generated on Australian roads each year, and up to 95% of it enters our waterways through unmanaged drains.
The first flush is the dirtiest.
more toxic
The first rush of stormwater after rain can carry pollution up to three times more concentrated than runoff during ongoing rain.
Our Mission
7 Outcomes We’re Working To Deliver For Australia.
Clean Our Beaches & Harbours
Make our waterways safe for everyone to use and enjoy all year round.
Protect Native
Wildlife
Safeguard our local fauna such as platypuses, wombats, and birdlife from toxic runoff.
Protect Our
Seafood
Prevent microplastics and toxins from poisoning our marine life and local food chain.
Cut Building
Costs
Standardise council rules to slash red tape and make housing more affordable.
Reduce Insurance Premiums
Protect homes from severe flooding to lower insurance costs for families.
Create Sustainable Water Cycles
Turn stormwater into a resource instead of wasting it in the ocean.
Cool Our Neighbourhoods
Replace concrete drains with green parks to create cooler, more liveable & desirable neighbourhoods.
Explore The Hidden Crisis & How We’re Fixing It
Who Are You
Stormwater Affects All Of Us.
For My Community
Discover how stormwater impacts your local beaches, property values, and weekend fishing trips.
For Educators & Students
Access easy-to-understand science, videos, and resources to bring the water cycle to life in the classroom.
For Government & Policy
Explore our legislative plans to standardise infrastructure rules and secure water supplies.
For Industry Professionals
Access technical data, engineering guidelines, and the Industry Hub.
The Plan
The 2030 Model:
Our Practical Blueprint To Fix Stormwater
We aren’t just identifying the problem; we are delivering the solution.
The 2030 Model is our comprehensive, national strategy to modernise Australia’s stormwater infrastructure, unite conflicting council rules, and implement world-class filtration standards.
1. Standardised Regulations
Clear consistent rules and guidelines.
2. Enhanced Asset Management
Better data, planning and maintenance
3. Climate Change Adaptation and Flood Mitigation
Infrastructure that reduces flood risk.
4. Water Quality Improvement
Cleaner runoff before it reaches waterways.
5. Dispute Resolution and Legal Framework
Clearer legal and approval pathways.
6. Funding and Financial Sustainability
Long-term investment models that work.
7. Community Engagement and Education
Helping people understand stormwater xxx
8. Broad Industry Collaboration
Bringing councils, experts and providers together.
Cleaner waterways. Safer communities. Better infrastructure.
Our Key Supporters
Backed By A Growing Coalition For Cleaner Waterways.
Stormwater 2030 is supported by partners, sponsors and community organisations working together to improve stormwater outcomes across Australia.
Want to support better stormwater outcomes?
Stormwater reform starts with awareness and grows through action.
Stormwater 2030 is building the evidence, partnerships and public momentum needed to protect Australia’s waterways, reduce flooding and create healthier communities.
