When rain hits the ground it becomes stormwater. Stormwater moves the pollution from roads down the drain into the harbour and it is not treated by the sewerage system.

Stormwater may contain the oil, rubber and heavy metals from roads. It also contains detergents, fertilizers and rubbish which is washed into the creeks, harbour and ocean by the rain.

Cigarette butts are the most common item found in rubbish collections. Water analysis has shown that nicotine is actually present in some of our creeks.

Land filling, weed invasion, vegetation clearing and erosion are among the reasons that also contribute for catchment degradation.

After heavy rain raw sewage overflows into our creeks, contaminating them and making them unsafe for swimming.

To find out about Willoughby City Council initiatives to prevent pollution and restore our creeks click here.