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An inspection chamber rim shows how determined tree and grassroots drawn to moisture can find their way into tiny cracks in our sewer network and keep growing. Picture: SA Water.<\/p>\n
Tree roots are largely to blame for a huge jump in sewer blockages across SA over the past year, with more resources being invested into maintaining hotspot areas in response to the spike.<\/p>\n
SA Water data reveals sewer main blockages related to tree roots have increased by around 40 per cent.<\/p>\n
It comes after the government department took to social media to urge SA residents <\/a>to carefully consider the trees and shrubs they plant on the properties.<\/p>\n Posted with photos of grassroots in an inspection chamber and a pipe, it said choosing carefully would ensure plants don\u2019t invade and destroy the state\u2019s sewerage network.<\/p>\n An SA Water spokesperson said tree root intrusion was the leading cause of blockages in the statewide sewerage network, accounting for around 65 per cent of incidents each year.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring the past 12 months, we\u2019ve seen a significant increase in blockages across the state, largely driven by prolonged dry conditions,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n Grassroots in the sewer network. Picture: SA Water.<\/p>\n \u201cCompared to the previous financial year, sewer main blockages have risen by almost 20 per cent, with tree root-related blockages alone increasing by around 40 per cent.<\/p>\n \u201cIn very dry conditions, tree roots naturally seek out moisture and can enter sewer pipes through small joints, particularly in older infrastructure. <\/p>\n \u201cOnce inside, they can grow quickly and restrict the flow of wastewater, potentially leading to blockages and overflows.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom January 1 to December 10, 2025, we recorded 5167 sewer main blockages across South Australia, with 3342 \u2013 or around 65 per cent \u2013 directly caused by tree roots.\u201d<\/p>\n The spokesperson said a specialised crew and equipment were deployed when blockages occurred to clear roots and assess pipe condition.<\/p>\n MORE NEWS They have increased resourcing in response to the recent spike in incidents and continue to invest in preventative cleaning in known hotspots, they said.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring 2024-25, the total cost incurred by SA Water for sewer network incidents caused by tree roots was more than $11.3 million,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n While there was no list of trees that are universally suitable across metropolitan Adelaide, the spokesperson said residents could carefully select species for their area to significantly reduce the risk of future issues.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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