Drainage Services
A drainage system is a network of drains and associated infrastructure that manages the collection and transportation of surplus water, such as stormwater. By managing flooding to minimise property impacts, it allows for the highest and best use of land, having due regard for the need to protect the natural environment.
Perth is criss-crossed by a drainage network consisting of main drains (owned and managed by the Water Corporation) and local drains (owned and managed by Local Government). These collect water from drainage catchments and move it away from areas susceptible to flooding to drainage sumps (pits) where it recharges groundwater, lakes, wetlands and the ocean.
Local Government manages about 80% of all drainage in Perth. The Water Corporation manages the balance and there are over 325,000 homes and business connected to our drainage network.
The Department of Water are responsible for drainage planning with the preparation of Drainage and Water Management Plans. These plans identify drainage infrastructure and associated land requirements, while managing the environmental values of the catchment. They ensure all land development includes provision for drainage systems to protect against the risk of flooding for both minor and major storm events.
The Department of Water is finalising a study into the availability of stormwater from the drainage network in Perth.
Stormwater is increasingly being managed on site to recharge groundwater that can benefit the natural environment and may be accessed through sustainable use of groundwater systems.
