Water Management for Business

To ensure our environment is not degraded, Marrickville Council encourages businesses to be aware of their impact on our local waterways and to conserve and reuse water. 

Local businesses making a difference

These days it's common practice for businesses to have strict policies and procedures in place to protect stormwater. Responsible business owners who care about their community and environment ensure that: 

• All chemicals used on their premises are appropriately disposed of
• The cleaning of vehicles and equipment is done in an area that does not drain to the stormwater system
• Skip bins and other waste facilities are kept tightly sealed and tidy
• Organic materials and soils from landscaping are removed and disposed of responsibly
• Litter is gathered and disposed of daily, especially in retail centres
• Butt bins are provided for clients and employees who smoke, and dropped butts are swept up daily

Support for Business

Council's provides support for local business and industry to help them improve their environment performance and to meet legislative requirements. Council conducts the Target Sustainability program that concludes with an awards ceremony recognising businesses who demonstrate outstanding environmental performance.

Council has also produced a set of guidelines to enable mobile businesses to reduce stormwater pollution and achieve cleaner production. The following materials are available:

Smart gardener leaflets

• Whipper-snippers, hedge trimmers and brush cutters
• Chainsaws and stump grinders
• Leaf blowers
• Lawn mowers and lawn de-thachers
• Mulchers and chipper shredders

Carpet smart leaflets 

• Bubble Trouble
• Carpet Smart
• Carpet Smart Operator Information  

Dog washers leaflets 

• Bathtime
• Fish friendly bathtime

To obtain your free workplace environmental education materials or to arrange a workplace assessment contact Council's Community Sustainability Coordinator or phone 9335 2197.

Stormwater as a resource 

Some progressive businesses are recognising the value of stormwater as a resource for their business. Stormwater can be harvested from rooftops and paved surfaces, saving money and providing a source of water for a whole range of non-contact purposes. This type of lateral thinking is called Water Sensitive Urban Design. For details contact Council's Water and Catchments Coordinator or phone 9335 2104.

What happens if I do the wrong thing?

Stormwater pollution from industry degrades our rivers and oceans through contamination with heavy metals, nutrients, sediments and rubbish. Common problems include: 

• hosing of industrial premises, footpaths and driveways
• discharge of wastewater from premises to stormwater
• washing of vehicles in the street

Industry that allows polluted water to enter stormwater drains will attract a $1500 on the spot fine.