Drainage
Key points
- Heavy rainfall events, severe storms, climate change and sea level rises, can cause and increase the risk of flooding and waterlogging around the shire.
- Our drain maintenance works are done mainly to clear blockages that could result in flooding of roads or properties.
- The drainage network includes open drains and underground pipes and pits.
- The road drainage network consists of 'runoff', which is the water flowing from the surface of the road into the drainage network.
Who looks after my drain?
Depending on where you’re located and what the issue is, different authorities or people may be responsible for the drainage and flood management in your area.
This may include:
- Melbourne Water- water authority
- South East Water – water authority
- Cardinia Shire Council - drainage
- Department of Transport and Planning
- Victorian Emergency Services
- You – private property owners
Learn more about the drainage authorities in the shire
Waterlogging
Waterlogging occurs when the ground or property is saturated in water and becomes swamp-like.
The water essentially doesn’t drain away properly, which can leave puddles and pools of water on the surface. The soil may appear dry on the surface, even though it is saturated below.
Waterlogging can become an issue after heavy rainfall, or when drains and septic systems become blocked.
Waterlogging can cause damage to infrastructure, property and the environment should proactive actions not be taken to drain excess water away.
Several parts of the shire are also prone to waterlogging, especially in flat low-lying areas such as Nar Nar Goon.
Several parts of the shire are prone to waterlogging, in particular properties in or around the Koo Wee Rup swamp. Waterlogging occurs when the ground or property is saturated with water, but not necessarily covered in water.
Flooding
Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto dry land.
Types of flooding
Waterway flooding occurs when rivers and creeks rise, exceeding the capacity of their banks.
Stormwater flooding occurs when rainwater exceeds the capacity of drainage systems such as gutters and stormwater drains.
Coastal flooding can be the result of one, or more, hazards that include:
Coastal erosion: the wearing down or carrying away of rocks, soils and/or sand along the coast. The shoreline wears away and can damage homes, businesses and infrastructure.
Storm surge: storms can result in an abnormal rise in sea level, over and above the normal tide levels.
Storm tide: the combination of a storm surge and the normal tide can inundate low-lying areas while strong winds at the coast can also create large waves. Large waves result in greater inundation extent. This paired with riverine flooding can result in prolonged flood levels, as the water cannot drain/subside due to the raised sea level.
Sea level rise: climate change has the effect of increasing the average height of the ocean. Victorian Government policy plans for a sea-level rise of not less than 0.8 metres by 2100.
Several townships adjacent to the shorelines of Westernport, including Koo Wee Rup and Lang Lang, lie at relatively low elevations. This means they are vulnerable to flooding associated with rising sea levels.
Report a problem with a drain
If you are experiencing drainage issues in your local area, please report the problem to us.
Reporting the issue will help us identify the problem, inspect it, provide advice and more information about next steps, actions and timelines.