Tree roots are creating headaches in the Sunshine Coast sewer network by causing the most blockages.
The problem was highlighted last week when video emerged of wastewater overflowing into a stormwater drain at a popular beach.
Terry Sweet captured the footage kerbside at Moffat Beach.
“This is sewage overflowing into a stormwater drain and to the surf,” he said.
“The units are booked out. Toilet and shower water was going untreated into the ocean. Surfers and swimmers were frolicking in sewage.”
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Unitywater executive manager customer delivery Rhett Duncan said crews responded quickly to the incident.
“Unitywater received a report of a potential wastewater overflow from a maintenance hole in Moffat Beach at 9.01am on Sunday, October 5,” he said.
“Our crews arrived in less than 45 minutes, where they confirmed a small clear overflow with no solids entering a nearby stormwater drain.
“Crews fixed the overflow, which was caused by a tree root blockage in the pipe, within 15 minutes before disinfecting the surrounding area.”
Mr Duncan said tree roots were the biggest culprit behind blockages.
“Tree root blockages are very common and are the highest known cause of blockages in our wastewater network,” he said.
“For the financial year 2024-25, at least one in every five blockages was caused by tree root intrusion.”
There were 614 tree root blockages in that timeframe.
He said overflows often occurred when non-flushable items got caught on tree roots, and urged people to only flush the three Ps – pee, poo and toilet paper – and to avoid planting invasive species near pipes.
Mr Duncan said Unitywater, the water utility company for the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay, was closely monitoring the network and carrying out a major pipe relining program to improve resilience.
“This tree root blockage occurred since the pipe was inspected in February, when it was confirmed to be clear and in good working order,” he said.
CCTV inspections of surrounding pipes were expected to be completed this week to check for any further blockages.
