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Preparing for floods
Flooding can be an issue across Victoria and in many parts of Gippsland. Floods place pressure on infrastructure and cause damage to homes and businesses.
Floods can also cause issues with sewer systems that become overwhelmed by stormwater and place pressure on water treatment systems around rivers that have been inundated by silt and soils.
For information on preparing your home or business for flooding, visit the SES Floodsafe page.
How we prepare for floods
Impact on water supplies
Flood events may impact water supplies if a treatment plant draws water from a river or creek. Run-off of soil and silt may reduce the plant's capacity to treat the raw water. This can impact the quantity and quality of supply.
If this happens, we'll keep our customers and the wider community informed, through website and social media updates, as well as traditional media and any other appropriate channels.
Impact on sewer systems
During flood events, sewer systems can be inundated by stormwater.
This can lead to wastewater overflows into the environment, which can be hazardous to your health. Follow the SES guidance: never drive, walk or cycle through flood waters.
What you can do to prepare for a flood
Ensure you have an alternative water supply
In the unlikely event that your water supply is interrupted, you'll need to access water for your daily needs. Store clean drinking water beforehand for use in the event that supply is interrupted.
The SES Victoria website has resources to you plan for any potential flood impacts at home. Visit their website.
Ensure your stormwater does not enter the wastewater system
Inundation of the sewerage system is a major risk during flood events. This can occur when households allow stormwater to enter the system through what is known as an overflow relief gully (ORG).
Overflow relief gullies are designed to allow a household sewerage system to overflow in a relatively contained area should the system be blocked by a tree root or other obstacle.
Allowing rain water drainage to enter the sewer system in this way can increase the risk of sewer overflows during rain events.
If you are not sure whether your ORG is connected properly, call us on 1800 050 500.
Who is responsible for managing stormwater?
Local councils manage the stormwater drainage network downstream of private properties (public drains). Property owners are responsible for their drainage up to the point of connection with council’s system. For more information, contact your local council or visit your local council's website.