Reducing dry weather overflows

Sydney Water’s wastewater system takes away 70 billion litres of wastewater every year from our sinks, toilets, showers, washing machines and dishwashers. It also takes waste from industries and businesses.

Fats, debris, tree roots and other materials can block the wastewater system and prevent it from working properly. Blockages can cause a 'Dry Weather Overflow', meaning polluted water overflows into the environment.

One priority of the SewerFix Program is to reduce the number of dry weather overflows.

We are also helping our customers understand what they can do to help prevent dry weather overflows and the impact they have on the environment and community. You can help by planting trees away from wastewater pipes and routinely checking and maintaining your private wastewater pipes.

Planting trees away from wastewater pipes

By thinking about the types of trees you plant and where you plant them, you reduce the risk of roots getting into the wastewater system.

Invasive tree roots cause 84% of sewer blockages. They can block pipes and cause sewage to overflow into homes, waterways and the environment. To learn more about appropriate tree planting, please see our fact sheet, Tree planting and the wastewater system (PDF - 1287KB) .

Looking after your private wastewater pipes

About 22,000 kilometres of wastewater pipes are located on private property and are the responsibility of property owners to maintain. To know more, please read the Q&A on tree roots in your wastewater system (PDF - 1158KB) .