Reducing water contamination & runoff
Many industrial, commercial and domestic activities cause water to become polluted with contaminants. To protect our environment and waterways, we must keep certain chemicals and contaminants out of our roadside gutters, stormwater drainage and waters.
The Environmental Protection Act 1994 lists these banned contaminants.
Council enforces the protection of waterways in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1994, and substantial penalties apply for unlawfully contaminating our waters.
Water contaminants are listed below, as defined in Schedule 10 of the Queensland Government's Environmental Protection Regulation 2019.
Water contaminants list
- Waste and waste water generated from outdoor cleaning, including, for example, waste generated from high pressure water blasting of commercial or ndustrial premises, fuel dispensing areas, plant or equipment, roofs, streets, vehicles and wharves.
- A chemical, or chemical waste containing a chemical. Examples include:
- biocide, including herbicide, fungicide and pesticide
- a chemical that causes biochemical or chemical oxygen demand
- per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
- Building and construction materials, including bitumen, brick, cement, concrete and plaster. Examples include:
- cement washed to create exposed aggregate treatment
- coloured powder used to create stencilled concrete features
- a gas other than oxygen
- industrial waste
- a liquid containing suspended or dissolved solids
- putrescible waste, including, for example, food scraps
- a liquid that has a temperature different by more than 2ºC from ambient water temperature
- regulated waste mentioned in schedule 9
- clinical waste
- animal matter, including
- dead animals,
- animal remains and animal excreta, and
- water used to clean animals, animal enclosures or vehicles used for transporting animals
- waste water, including
- backwash from swimming pools,
- condensate from compressors,
- water from air-conditioning or cooling systems and
- waste water from grease traps
- waste and waste water, generated from outdoor cleaning, including, for example,
- waste generated from high pressure water blasting of commercial or industrial premises, fuel dispensing areas, plant or equipment, roofs, streets, vehicles and wharves
- sewage and sewage residues, whether treated or untreated, and any other matter containing faecal coliforms or faecal streptococci, including, for example, waste water pumped out from a septic tank
- any substance that has a pH outside the range 6.5 to 8.5
- vehicles and components of vehicles, including, for example, batteries and tyres
- plant matter, including, for example, bark, lawn clippings, leaves, mulch, pruning waste, sawdust, shavings, woodchip and other waste from forest products
- waste and waste water, generated from indoor cleaning, including, for example, waste from carpet or upholstery cleaning and steam cleaning
- building, construction and demolition waste, including bitumen, brick, concrete cuttings, plaster and waste water generated by building, construction or demolition
- paint, paint scrapings or residues, paint sludge, water used for diluting paint or washing painting utensils, and waste from paint stripping
- ashes, clay, gravel, sediment, stones and similar organic or inorganic matter
- waste generated from repairing or servicing motor vehicles, including, for example, engine coolant, grease, lubricants and oil
- glass, metal parts, paper, piping, plastic and scrap metal
- oil, including, for example, petroleum or vegetable based oil
The Section Penalty for offence under Section 440ZG of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 for he 2023/24 financial year are:
- Individual – 15 Penalty Units, currently valued at $2322
- Corporation – 75 Penalty Units, currently valued at $11,610
Keeping our waterways healthy
Individual, businesses and households have a responsibility to keep our waterways clear for a healthy environment and reef. Here are some things everyone can do:
- Know where your stormwater drains, inlets, channels, easements and waterways are so you are able to protect them from potential contamination.
- Collect and lawfully dispose of litter or potential contaminant and collect all wastewater
- Avoid using harmful or toxic chemicals when conducting activities such as pressure cleaning
- Have a means of containing waste such as a spill kit or regulated waste transporter
- Ensure adequate rubbish containment to prevent the movement of litter
- Install appropriate measures to prevent contaminant discharge such as erosion and sediment controls.
Car wash events
The runoff from washing cars on roadways flows into our creeks and finally the Great Barrier Reef. These pollutants can harm the aquatic environment and reduce water quality.
Do your bit by holding a more environmentally friendly car wash by following these tips:
- Wash vehicles on grassed, gravel or impervious sealed areas. (On impervious sealed areas, use mats, portable bunds and sand bags to contain the waste water.)
- Dispose of wastewater onto gardens or grassed areas.
- Collect all waste and dispose of it at a Council transfer station.
- Use trigger hoses or buckets to reduce water usage. Alternatively, use waterless car washing kits.
- Choose environmentally friendly detergents that are non-toxic, chlorine free, phosphate-free or biodegradable.
- Approach commercial car washes to participate as hosts of your fundraiser.
Last Updated: 30 June 2023
Latest News > All News
Queensland Budget delivers funding boost to Cairns water security
The Miles Government is strengthening water security for Cairns, using the recent state budget to increase funding toward the Cairns...
Council statement on recent media coverage
Council statement in response to recent media coverage on the appointment of the interim CEO....
Have your say on Cairns’ future aquatic facilities needs
Residents are being invited to provide their views on the future aquatic facility needs of the Cairns region....