Seepage
Seepage occurs when water slowly flows through porous materials. Seepage can result in puddles, discolouration/ textural changes, mould, mildew, smells, etc. Seepage can be caused by dripping taps, leaking pipes, cracked drains, damaged garden irrigation systems, etc.
Seepage can occur after recent heavy rain or when there has been no recent heavy rain:
- After heavy rains, surface water runoff, natural underground water or faulty stormwater systems could be the cause of seepage.
- When there hasn’t been recent rain, faulty plumbing, damaged water infrastructure or natural underground water could be the cause of seepage.
Seepage on private property
Seepage on private property is a property owner's responsibility.
If private property infrastructure has been excluded as a source, naturally occurring groundwater may be the source.
Property owners may wish to consider engaging an engineer/consultant or drainage specialist who can investigate the cause and provide advice on how to address seepage on private property.
We are not responsible for seepage on private property.
Groundwater
Groundwater can also cause seepage.
Groundwater is a natural occurrence where water flows or collects beneath the surface. When groundwater makes its way to the surface, seepage can occur.
Weather, natural underground water, and solid structures (such as buildings, driveways, retaining walls or rocks) can influence the flow of groundwater to the surface and cause seepage.
Soil subsidence
Soil subsidence can be caused by:
- Soil type (clay/sand), moisture levels, and natural ground movement (shrinking and swelling).
- Natural compaction and soil settlement which occurs over time, sometimes decades, particularly where land re-development has occurred.
- Insufficient compaction in construction trenches at the time of development (e.g. drainage, water, sewerage trenches, etc).
- Poorly compacted trenches acting as an underground water flow paths and moving sediment.
- Natural groundwater movement, including seepage.
- Changes in the water table level.
- Old mining works in the area.
- Tree roots.
The City is not responsible for soil subsidence on private property.
Our responsibilities
We are responsible for seepage caused by broken or damaged stormwater drainage assets that we own. If you believe seepage is caused by City-owned assets, please contact us.
We are not responsible for naturally occurring
groundwater seepage, seepage caused by another authority’s assets, or issues resulting from subdivision works on private land undertaken by developers, consultants or contractors (including but not limited to soil subsidence on private land).
Barwon Water responsibilities
Barwon Water is responsible for broken water or sewer infrastructure causing seepage – please contact Barwon Water.