Six Pieces of the Pie, Rain-Ready Peace of Mind

Stormwater from:
  • Roofs
  • Driveways
  • Decks
  • Patios
must be conveyed to:
  • A Council-approved stormwater system or roadside
  • A lawful watercourse
  • A drain down a property boundary

Eliminate soak holes.

Soak holes under spoutings and downpipes concentrate water into the ground. Even when located away from slopes, they contribute to the broader groundwater system.

For slope stability, hillsides depend on maintaining a low water table. (that is, the height below ground level where you find liquid water in
the soil)

During heavy rainfall, additional groundwater recharge reduces slope stability. Water should move efficiently to lawful drains quickly rather
than be injected into the ground.

Surface runoff from:
  • Lawns
  • Yards
  • Gardens
should be conducted via surface drains to boundary drains where practical.

Gardens can represent large surface areas. During intense rainfall, guiding garden runoff where feasible helps reduce uncontrolled sat-
uration downslope.

Garden drains can also be built as garden paths.

The aim is not to eliminate natural infiltration, but to prevent prolonged ponding or concentrated flow during heavy rainfall.

Rain does not recognise property boundaries.
Where properties share a slope, runoff can be guided more effectively when neighbours cooperate.

A boundary drain is a simple surface watercourse constructed along a shared boundary to guide overland flow safely to a lawful dis-
charge point.

These drains can be:
  • Shallow and non-erodable
  • Built with practical materials
  • Installed gradually
  • Shared in cost and labour

Not every property will require one.
Not every boundary will be suitable.

Trees, trees trees. Yes, they also remove lots of water from soil.

Topography, existing fences, and property layout may affect feasibility. Each site requires practical consideration.

But where practical, shared drains are one of the most effective and affordable ways to manage runoff collectively.

RainReady encourages neighbours to talk, assess their slope, and act together where appropriate.

Its purpose is practical, evidence-based stormwater management in partnership with residents and council.

Preparedness is cheaper than reaction.

Retaining wall drains must:
  • Discharge into surface drains
  • Conduct water to a boundary drain, roadway or legal watercourse
     There should be no free discharge over slopes.

If lower ground weakens due to saturation, then upper retaining structures may lose stability.

If you live on the foot of a hill, you may need horizontal drains. Your neighbour above you may also need them.

These are usually multiple installations of slotted PVC pipes that are driven about 10 metres into the hillside. They allow accumulated soil moisture to escape the hill.

They are often installed in a pattern across a hill face, especially if there is a high water-table on or near your property. We have devised a relatively simple way where installation is still a DIY exercise. The only cost is for the slotted pipe and the electric demolition hammer hire
charge. We will provide the other equipment and supervision for free. You must look after the equipment, so others aren’t disadvantaged.

SEE MORE DETAILS ABOUT HORIZONTAL DRAINS IN FAQ

Download the RainReady Certification Checklist.

Confirm:

• Roof and hard-surface water is captured and sent to a lawful drain or water course
• No soak holes.They inject water into the ground. (Water can travel kilometres towards cliffs)
• Surface runoff pathways are controlled - collect and redirect
• Retaining wall drainage is discharged to a lawful drain or watercourse.
  
  

Horizontal drains can be inserted where the water table in the hillside above the property makes them a wise choice.

RainReady certification is voluntary, but signed off by a free, pre-arreanged, independent inspection.