Damage to our 2,500 kilometre network of sewer pipelines can be unpleasant and the big culprits are tree roots and the flushing of inappropriate items.

Over the next four years Central Coast Council is rolling out significant upgrade and expansion works across our sewerage network including an $11million region-wide project to renew targeted gravity sewer infrastructure.

Council Acting Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said Council is using an innovative technique to rehabilitate damaged sewer pipelines but there is more we can do together as a community to ‘Save Our Sewers’.

“A lot of people don’t know that we have more than 320 sewerage pumping stations and eight sewage treatment plants which treat over 80 million litres of sewage on the Central Coast every day,” Mr Loader said.

“Damage to our sewer network can be unpleasant and while tree roots are one of the primary causes of partial and total blockages, there are things we can all do to ensure everything works effectively.

“Only ever flush the three Ps down your porcelain throne – that’s poo, pee and paper – everything else needs to go in the appropriate bin. Flushing things down our drains and toilets like cooking waste including food scraps, fats and oils, cigarette butts, nappies, dental floss, sanitary items, cotton buds, stickers on fruit, and wipes – even if they are labelled ‘flushable’ can cause significant damage.

“Also, to avoid damaging sewer or water mains with digging equipment always remember to ‘Dial before you Dig’ – a free national referral service which can be accessed online to assist in preventing damage and disruption to our vast infrastructure networks.

“Like all infrastructure, sewer pipelines will intermittently require repair and we are inserting liners into the existing pipe to reinforce it and seal any leaks. This innovative technique significantly reduces the risk of future damage, reduces repair costs and in most cases eliminates the need to excavate, minimising disruption on the community.

“When alleged blockages and overflows are reported, our primary concern is the health and safety of the public and the environment.

“We have crews on standby to respond to reports 24 hours a day, 365 days a year so it is important, and we encourage the community, to continue letting us know – day or night – about any issues so we can resolve them quickly.”

Mayor Jane Smith said the ‘Save Our Sewers’ campaign was another way Council and the community can work together to ensure the sustainability of the Coast’s essential assets and natural environment as well as the health of the community.

“We are one of the few Councils who are a water supply authority and are also responsible for over 2,500 kilometres of sewer pipelines,” Mayor Smith said.

“We take this responsibility seriously as proper management contributes to community health and wellbeing, as well as securing our environmental resources for future generations.

“By us all being water and sewer aware, and actively participating to ‘Save Our Sewers’, we will continue to make the Central Coast even better.”

Central Coast residents who experience water or sewerage concerns in their area should call Council immediately on 1300 463 954, anytime day or night.