The stormwater system currently drains wastewater or washdown water from many small and
diffuse sources that combine to carry a large pollution load directly into our waterways and
oceans. While litter and rubbish are usually the most visible pollutants, contaminants such as oil
and grease, sediments and residual chemicals can also have a significant pollution impact.
Reducing and, where possible, eliminating at source the pollution carried by wastewater from air
conditioners, cooling towers and air compressors are more effective than attempting to treat the
downstream effects.
Most urban areas are well served with adequate waste disposal in a sewage system or septic tank
effluent drainage system (STEDS). If practical, discharging air conditioning wastewater to the
sewer/STEDS is the preferred option and is likely to be the most cost effective.