Stormwater

Stormwater runoff can carry a variety of pollutants and emerging contaminants that threaten water quality, ecosystem health, and public safety. Specialised stormwater sampling, testing, and monitoring are essential for identifying chemical pollutants, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants that may enter water bodies through drainage systems. Compliance with EPA Victoria’s Urban Stormwater Management Guidelines ensures that stormwater is properly managed to minimize environmental harm​.

Stormwater runoff can contain chemical, microbial, and physical pollutants, which require routine monitoring to protect aquatic ecosystems and human health. The type of contaminants present in stormwater depends on the industry and land use in the area.

Stormwater runoff carries a range of emerging chemical contaminants, posing risks to water quality and ecosystems. PFAS, found in industrial runoff and firefighting foams, and heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium from roads and construction sites, persist in the environment. Pesticides, herbicides, and excess nutrients (nitrogen & phosphorus) contribute to toxic algal blooms and aquatic degradation.

Disinfection By-Products (DBPs), organic alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbons, petroleum hydrocarbons, and surfactants from industrial and household sources further contaminate stormwater, affecting both human and environmental health.

Microbial risks include E. coli and faecal coliforms, which indicate sewage or animal waste contamination, while Legionella, thriving in warm, stagnant water, increases public health risks

Physical and corrosion indicators such as turbidity, pH imbalances, and microplastic pollution further reduce water clarity, promote infrastructure damage, and harm aquatic life. Routine stormwater testing ensures compliance with environmental regulations, preventing contamination and protecting public health and ecosystems.