Nothing quite prepares you for an email demanding $15,000 on the spot.
Jerome Moors, owner of Shark Pressure Washing on the Central Coast, felt his heart sink as he read the message.
He thought he had just finished another successful job.
Jerome had completed a soft washing job on a client’s house and meticulously cleaned their pool area.
Everything looked pristine, the customer was thrilled, and Jerome was packing up his equipment when his phone buzzed.
The email from Central Coast Council made his stomach drop.
A neighbour had reported him for polluting stormwater drains—but Jerome hadn’t even touched the front driveway near the drains.
'The job turned out perfect and everything looked brand new, then out of nowhere I get an email from the council,' Jerome explained.
The complaint arose after a neighbour spotted chlorine cartons beside Jerome’s ute and assumed he was dumping chemicals.
No chemicals flowed, no dirt washed away, and nothing was near any drain.
'I thought to myself, we're screwed, $15,000 down the drain, literally. It's just a reminder to really make sure you're checking to block off the stormwater drains because at any moment a Karen can walk past and report you for just having chlorine cartons.'
NSW’s Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 strictly prohibits allowing waste water and detergents from washing to enter the stormwater system.
Penalties can be severe—as Jerome discovered when faced with the $15,000 fine.
Stormwater management in NSW is overseen by the NSW EPA, Sydney Water in the Sydney Basin, and Local Councils, giving them broad authority to issue fines.
Fortunately, Central Coast Council withdrew the fine within hours after realising there was no evidence of pollution.
All they had received was a photo of cleaning product containers—not enough to justify such a hefty penalty.
For everyday Australians, Jerome’s experience offers key lessons.
Waste water and detergents from washing cars, boats, and trailers must not enter the stormwater system, and windy conditions should be avoided to prevent spray drift.
Protecting yourself when pressure washing
Block off storm drains before starting
Use biodegradable cleaning products sparingly
Avoid windy conditions that could cause spray drift
Direct wash water onto grass or garden areas where possible
Keep cleaning product containers away from drains
Document your precautions with photos if working professionally
Homeowners in NSW must maintain their stormwater drainage systems, including gutters and downpipes, to ensure compliance and prevent contamination.
When Jerome shared his story on social media, reactions were swift and pointed.
Users criticised the council’s approach, highlighting frustration with fines issued without evidence.
'So quick to fine you $15,000 without evidence,' one user wrote.
Another noted the irony: 'I'm just in shock that Central Coast Council took action for a Karen that quickly, yet we're all driving around like it's Mario Kart to avoid potholes.'
One person shared a similar experience: 'I got a visit from the EPA after pressure washing my concrete tiled roof (no chemicals). Someone spotted some orange sand in the open stormwater drain and complained that I was pouring paint down the drain.'
Jerome’s experience underscores the tension between environmental protection and common-sense enforcement.
Properly designed stormwater systems are essential to protect waterways by minimising debris, sediment, and other contaminants.
Yet issuing massive fines based solely on assumptions can create serious problems for honest business owners and homeowners.
The incident also raises questions about due process—should councils issue $15,000 fines based on a single photograph, and what safeguards prevent false complaints from causing financial ruin?
Jerome’s story ended well—the fine was withdrawn and his reputation remained intact.
Essential pressure washing protection
- Always block stormwater drains before starting work
- Keep cleaning products well away from drain areas
- Document your environmental precautions
- Know your rights if you receive a fine
- Consider the timing and weather conditions
Professional cleaners should photograph their setup, document environmental precautions, and be ready to defend their practices.
Homeowners can prevent headaches by taking simple steps to protect stormwater drains.
Social media proved powerful in holding authorities accountable, clearing Jerome’s name and sparking conversation about fair enforcement.
Stories like Jerome’s remind us that environmental laws must be enforced with evidence and common sense.
What This Means For You
Before starting any pressure washing project, it’s crucial to take steps to protect the environment and avoid potential fines.
Always block stormwater drains to prevent runoff from entering the local water system, and keep all cleaning products well away from drains, documenting the precautions you take.
Be mindful of weather conditions, as wind or rain can cause spray drift that spreads chemicals unintentionally.
Finally, it’s important to know your rights and be prepared to challenge any fines that may seem unfair or unjust.
Following these precautions not only safeguards your property and neighbourhood but also ensures you stay compliant with local regulations without unnecessary stress.
Situations involving fines can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve followed all the right steps and taken precautions.
It helps to see how others have navigated similar challenges and stood up for their rights.
One story highlights a real-life example of someone successfully addressing an unjust penalty, offering practical insights for handling these situations.
Read more: 79-year-old cancer survivor fined $1,200 despite valid medical seatbelt exemption
Pressure washing Central Coast business hit with $15,000 fine — Reports on Jerome Moors facing a council fine over alleged stormwater pollution and the circumstances around it.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15192917/pressure-washing-central-coast-council-15000-fine.html
Around the home | EPA — Explains that waste water and detergents from washing cars, boats, and trailers must not enter the stormwater system.
https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/page/view_by_id/4422
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Stormwater Sydney — Details that stormwater management in NSW is regulated by the NSW EPA, Sydney Water, and Local Councils.
https://stormwatersydney.com/faq/
Around the home | EPA — Advises against pressure washing on windy days to prevent spray drift from carrying pollutants into the stormwater system.
https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/page/view_by_id/4422
Stormwater Drainage for Your Home — States that NSW homeowners are required to maintain their stormwater drainage systems, including gutters and downpipes, to ensure compliance.
https://plumbersexpress.com.au/stormwater-drainage-for-your-home/
Stormwater Drainage for Your Home — Notes that properly designed and maintained stormwater systems protect water quality by minimising debris, sediment, and other contaminants.
https://plumbersexpress.com.au/stormwater-drainage-for-your-home/
Have you ever faced an unfair council fine or environmental complaint, and how did you protect stormwater drains around your property?
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