The non-compliant stormwater systems may be historic and the Central Otago District Council (CODC) will contact homeowners in both towns this month after their homes were identified as being plumbed incorrectly.
The testing of private stormwater connections was undertaken across the district by council contractors due to increasing burden on the district's wastewater systems and the ongoing work programme had identified the Alexandra and Cromwell properties where stormwater was incorrectly being discharged into the wastewater system.
CODC regulatory services manager Lee Webster said non-compliant stormwater drainage entering the wastewater system was an issue that could have an impact on public and environmental health, as well as ultimately costing the ratepayer more if left unchecked.
"Stormwater - the rainwater that runs off your roof and hard surfaces - should not enter the wastewater system.
"If it does, the increased flows caused by heavy rain can reduce the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment plant and process, and cause wastewater overflows where untreated sewage can enter waterways,’’ he said.
"Keeping the stormwater out of the wastewater network results in improved environmental outcomes for our community and reduces wastewater treatment costs.''
Mr Webster said the monitoring team were aware the non-compliant stormwater systems could be historic, and homeowners might not be aware of the issue, so the council was keen to work with people to correct these issues.
"Our team will provide home owners with the appropriate information and support to remedy the issue as smoothly and cost-effectively as possible.
"By remedying these issues, we can avoid unnecessary capacity upgrades to our wastewater systems, which help us keep rates down for our community.''
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Comments
How come this type thing doesn't come with a hefty penalty? If Home owners have done their due diligence then they would know these things aren't correct. It's quite obvious when a downpipe is discharging over a Gulley.
So id assume as the council had signed these connections off at time of build then current home owner wont incur any costs to remedy as would be a council liability?
Yeah, NAH!