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Last Updated: Monday, 11 August 2025 11:13

Published: Thursday, 07 August 2025 08:28

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is reminding residents to maintain their overflow relief gully, commonly referred to as an ORG, to prevent lasting, costly property damage and avoid preventable health risks.

An ORG is a drain-like fitting found outside of residences which have a vent-like top that pops off in plumbing emergencies.

TRC’s Water Infrastructure Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Bill Cahill said it’s important renters and homeowners understand what their responsibilities are in maintaining an ORG.

“Most people don’t know what an ORG is, or why it is such an important plumbing device. However, maintaining your ORG can prevent dangerous and costly sewage overflows, which is why Council is trying to raise awareness in the community,” Cr Cahill said.

“Over the past three years, about 80% of the Region’s internal overflows were caused by non-compliant ORGs and could have easily been prevented.”

If a blockage occurs within a sewage network or a Council main, ORGs act as a release valve and discharge any built up sewage outside of a building, avoiding inside overflows.

“House or drain blockages are a property owners’ responsibility, however a blockage in a Council sewage main is TRC’s obligation to fix,” said Cr Cahill.

“To maintain your property’s ORG, you need to make sure it is always clear from debris, leaves, landscaping and pot plants. You should also routinely check the ORG grate [lid] can easily pop off like it’s designed to do.”

If residents are concerned their ORG is non-compliant, TRC recommends contacting a licensed plumber for advice.

“If you experience a blockage or overflow, please report it to Council so we can assess the situation. If it is a Council problem, crews will attend your property as soon as possible to clear the blockage. Once the problem is fixed, Council will clean up the external areas that have been affected by removing any physical blockages and applying a disinfectant to minimise exposure to harmful bacteria’s,” said Cr Cahill.

“I want residents to view ORGs as just as important as any other home maintenance item. Don’t wait until it’s too late.”

If you want to know more about ORG’s or what to do if you experience a sewage overflow, please visit the TRC website: Blocked sewers and burst or leaky pipes or call TRC on 131 872.

Photo caption (top): A diagram of an ORG showing it should sit at least 75mm above ground level and 150mm below any other plumbing outlets within a property, otherwise it may not be effective.

Photo caption (bottom five images): Examples of properly maintained ORGs.