Only rain down the drain

Published on 19 August 2016

Mildura Rural City Council is reminding residents not to wash rubbish, lawn clippings, leaves or chemicals into storm water drains in an effort to protect our valuable wetland systems.

A new Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) has been constructed at the Etiwanda Wetlands as part of a $1.75m draining project, with the GPT capturing rubbish before it flows into the wetlands.  Council manages 26 separate GPT’s throughout the storm water drainage system.

Environmental Sustainability portfolio Councillor Judi Harris said the man-made wetlands are an important part of our water management system, providing a natural way to treat stormwater and remove pollutants.

“Constructed wetlands are generally shallow waterways, planted with water plants that help to filter and clean the water passing through them,” Cr Harris explained.  “The Gross Pollutant Traps stop most of the large rubbish from entering the wetlands.

“Over time however, other contaminants such as dirt and silt build up in the wetland.  When this happens, we need to get in and dredge this out and make sure the wetlands continue to flow.  Council manages six wetlands including three constructed or man-made wetlands being the South Mildura Wetlands, Bob Corbould Wetlands and Etiwanda Wetlands.”

Council is planning to dredge the Mildura South Wetlands in the coming months and said that while the dredging may look unsightly for a short period, it is necessary to ensure they continue to function.

Each wetland area has three main sections which work together to filter stormwater:

1. Inlet zone - the sediment pond that allows coarse sediment to settle to the bottom.
2. Macrophyte zone - the main part of the wetlands, which is usually shallow and generally densely planted with aquatic plants.
3. Open water zone - a shallow area that allows time for the finer particles to settle and for the sunlight to kill the bacteria.

“In addition to serving a really important purpose in our water management system, the wetlands also provide an important amenity aspect for the people living in the area and a habitat for our urban wildlife.

“It is very important that we keep our stormwater drainage system clear of rubbish not just for the sake of the wetlands but for everyone’s safety. Drainage systems are designed to remove water from urban areas to stop flooding during storms and this can’t happen if the drains are clogged.”

For more information contact the Environmental Sustainability team on 5018 8100.

ENDS