There are a variety of methods you can use for managing stormwater onsite, much of it is aimed at slowing down the flow of water, ensuring it can be soaked up by the ground or remains within the limits of the stormwater system.

Below are some of the most common methods of dealing with stormwater:

Soakpits

A soak pit is a covered, porous-walled chamber or rock-filled pit that allows water to slowly soak into the ground.

Retention tanks

Retention tanks are used to reduce the pressure on stormwater drainage systems. They collect stormwater during storms and then slowly release it into the stormwater network.

Rain tanks

Rain tanks store rain water for later use, reducing the reliance on mains water use. This provides for economic or environmental benefits, and aids in self-sufficiency.

Soakage trenches

A soakage trench along the edges of paving or driveways, can help and aid stormwater dispersal into the surrounding ground, as long as there is good soakage.

Rain gardens

Create rain gardens in areas with good soakage; like volcanic soils. These aid in capturing and detaining stormwater, and slowly let it soak away into the surrounding ground. Rain gardens filter out pollutants and contaminants in the stormwater. The soil particles and plant roots collect and retain the chemicals, before they reach any streams and coastal environments.

Living roof

Similar to rain gardens, but they are grown on a roof, thus improving both insulation and stormwater management outcomes.

Permeable surfaces

Using permeable paving for paths and driveways can reduce the amount of stormwater that has to be managed. This is because they absorb stormwater into the surrounding ground.

Last updated: 24 Feb 2021