Unitywater is encouraging the community pause before they plant, after recent data revealed that one third of pipe blockages were caused by tree root intrusion.
During a six-month period in 2024, Unitywater crews attended more than 1300 blockage or wastewater overflow jobs, 439 of which were caused by tree roots.
Unitywater Executive Manager Customer Delivery, Rhett Duncan, said the numbers spoke for themselves.
“It’s clear from our data that one in every three blockages in our network is caused by tree roots and these jobs are unpleasant for our crews and the community,” Mr Duncan said.
“Tree roots find their way into pipes to access the water and continue growing in there, effectively blocking the pipe or becoming a mass that other debris can attach to. They are then more difficult to remove and take our crews away from other jobs.
“Pipe blockages cause wastewater overflows in our infrastructure that can flow into and damage the environment, and in people’s homes, up through toilets and shower recesses, causing a smelly mess and potential health risks or property damage.
“We know how stressful it can be for our customers who experience overflows on their property, as well as the costs associated with replacing private pipes.
“We’re asking the community to pause before they plant, consider the types of trees they’re planting and plant them away from pipes.”
Mr Duncan said Unitywater has a free online mapping tool residents can use to locate the utilty’s water and wastewater pipes.
“Input your address to check if there are any Unitywater pipes on your property. It’s good to know where your private pipes run too. We also have a planting guide to know what to plant and how far away to plant to protect your pipes,” he said.
Mr Duncan said local nurseries would be able to advise the suitability of other plants with short root systems.
For more information, visit www.unitywater.com/smart-planting
Featured image: Unitywater
