“Most people tend to think that a good rainfall might ‘flush the system out’,’’ Hall said.
“However, a large rainfall can flush polluted water through the system as well as clean water, and there are limits to how much treatment we can do to the water while ensuring the system prevents flooding.
“The best thing everyone can do is to reduce the amount of contaminants in the storm water system in the first place.”
Hall said there were some simple messages to remember as people did their handiwork.
These include not hosing household cleaners, paint or any other chemicals down the storm water drain.