Stormwater flow paths included on LIMS
Published on 17 March 2016
17 March 2016
Information about overland flow paths, the predicted route stormwater takes on its way to streams, stormwater networks or the sea during an usually large rain event, has been added to Land Information Memorandums (LIMs) for properties in the Whanganui District.
The overland flow path information will indicate where water is likely to flow and accumulate during an unusually large rain event when natural or man-made storm water networks are overloaded. The LIMs will also identify depression areas which may be prone to accumulating water during such an event.
A large number of urban properties have been identified as having an overland flow path on their property. The Council has developed a map of the overland flow paths, which is available on our website.
“Information about overland flow paths gives the Council and interested parties the information they need to help identify where water is likely to flow and accumulate if we have an unusually large rain event like we did in June last year. The information may also be used to identify ‘no build’ areas or to establish minimum floor levels in new properties to help avoid future stormwater issues,” says Whanganui District Council Regulatory and Customer Services Manager Bryan Nicholson.
“The map does not necessarily mean that water will enter a habitable floor level during a rain event. We are currently undertaking further studies to ascertain which properties have low lying floor levels and may be at risk of flooding during such events. This information is not available yet but when it is we will let people know.
“The existence of overland flow paths doesn’t mean Whanganui’s stormwater system is inadequate. In any large rain event, anywhere in the world, stormwater systems become overloaded and water will find a way to connect to streams or to man-made systems.
“Having this information on a LIM provides potential property buyers information about how properties may be affected. We encourage people who want more information to meet with one of our Infrastructure team who can talk in more detail about what an overland flow path means for their property.”
A meeting was held on March 8 with developers and real estate agents to inform them of the inclusion of overland flow path information on LIMs.