Managing stormwater

Our ongoing stormwater projects

We own and operate more than 450 kilometres of stormwater channels and pipes across Greater Sydney. We work closely with local councils and other agencies to improve the health of our waterways, provide opportunities for stormwater reuse, and protect people and properties from flooding. Discover the projects that are underway.

Our stormwater systems

It's important to us to work with local councils and other agencies to manage Sydney’s stormwater system to maintain and improve our large, or ‘trunk’, stormwater channels and drains. 

One way we do this is through 'naturalisation'. Naturalisation greatly improves habitat for native birds and other animals. Our riverbank naturalisation projects, such as those at Powells Creek and Cooks River, involve removing concrete from the steep channel walls and creating a more gently sloping edge stabilised with native plants and sandstone.

We focus on Water sensitive urban design (550KB) to improve the ability of our urban environments to capture, treat and reuse stormwater before it has a chance to pollute and degrade our creeks and rivers. Our Waterway Health Improvement Program is an example of water sensitive urban design. 

Silt and debris management

Location – Various suburbs across Sydney

Timeframe – Ongoing

We're removing silt, sand and sediment from our wastewater and stormwater pipes. Learn more about our silt and debris management program.

Waterways and wetlands

As rainwater runs from roofs, roads and parks, it can pick up and carry pollution into stormwater drains. Types of pollution include litter, sand, dirt, grease, oil and metals.

Our infrastructure improves the quality of stormwater entering local waterways, such as through trash racks and sediment traps. We’re also using Water sensitive urban design (550KB) to reduce stress on urban streams and rivers by capturing some of the pollutants and nutrients from stormwater flows.

We manage and build wetlands in some parts of Sydney as part of this stormwater management. Wetlands have a significant role in improving the ecology and water quality of streams and rivers, as they treat stormwater run-off from streets and industrial areas before it enters local waterways.

Northwest Sydney Land and Waterways

Beaumont Hills, Glenwood, Kellyville, Rouse Hill and Stanhope Gardens

Timeframe – Ongoing

We’ve developed a strategic stormwater management plan in Northwest Sydney in what is known as the Rouse Hill development area. This includes regenerating bushland in stormwater drainage land and naturalising creeks such as Strangers Creek in Kellyville.

Our strategy will help reduce flood risk to properties and restore local creeks and waterways. It will also improve water quality entering the Hawkesbury–Nepean River.

Learn more about our Northwest Sydney land and waterways.
 

Botany Wetlands

Botany Wetlands are the largest coastal freshwater wetlands in Sydney, covering a 4.5-kilometre corridor in Sydney's east. We own the wetlands and lease most of the surrounding area to golf clubs. The wetlands have significant ecological and heritage value and provide important recreational, education and scientific value to the community.

The Plan of management Botany wetlands 2018–2028 (1.5MB) identifies how we'll:

• manage and protect the values of the wetlands
• meet legislative requirements
• benefit the community.
  

We consulted with key stakeholders to identify the values, threats and opportunities outlined in the plan. We'll continue to collect and analyse data to help us protect and improve the wetlands.

Please email propertyenvironmental@sydneywater.com.au to find out more. 

Improving waterway health across Sydney

Location – Bankstown, Bexley, Campsie, Guildford, Kogarah Bay, Silverwater and Westmead

Timeframe – Ongoing

We’re improving waterway health and liveability by treating stormwater before it enters our creeks and rivers. We’re working with local councils to reduce the amount of litter and pollutants in waterways by planting naturally vegetated stormwater treatment areas in parks across Sydney. These projects will help:

• provide better access to the parks
• offer a wider range of recreational uses
  
• improve waterway health and the environment
  
• improve better pedestrian and cycle connections.
  

Learn more about improving waterway health across Sydney.