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Reducing wet weather overflows
Sydney Water is working in alliance with Manidis Roberts, MWH, PB and United Group Limited to deliver our Wet Weather Overflow Abatement Program (WWOAP) by 2012.
This work involves essential improvement work on the pipes, storage facilities and designed overflow structures of the sewerage system in Sydney's northern suburbs, northern beaches, the Hawkesbury-Nepean and Illawarra regions.
This work is required to meet Sydney Water's licensing requirements with the Department of Environment and Climate Change.
What is a wet weather overflow?
All sewerage systems are designed with overflow points to prevent sewage from backing up into peoples homes and properties when the flow exceeds the pipe's capacity.
The sewerage system is designed to cope with three to four times the average sewage dry weather flow. However, the system now has to cope with increased flows that result from development and population growth.
In addition to this, during wet weather, rainwater seeps through cracks in the pipes and when the flow exceeds the capacity of the sewerage system, overflows may result.
Working with the community
Sydney Water is committed to working with the community during the planning, design and implementation of the SewerFix Wet Weather Overflow Abatement Program.
Residents, local business owners and community groups will have opportunity to provide input into how overflows in their areas could be reduced.
Every effort will be made to ensure minimal disruption to the environment and local communities during this work.
Contact us
For more information on the Sewerfix Wet Weather Overflow Abatement Program, please phone the community information line on 1800 656 340 or email sewerfix@sydneywater.com.au