Business makes flood barriers

A new business venture producing stormwater barriers for houses has begun on the Peninsula.

Woy Woy resident Ms Margaret Forbutt said she had come up with a stormwater barrier design that can be made by homeowners to stop rainwater from gushing under the front and back doors during a storm.

Several years ago Ms Forbutt rented a townhouse in Sydney that was built below street.

"The lower level of the townhouse flooded six times during the first two years," Ms Forbutt said.

"Fortunately, a friend from interstate was staying in my home during a storm and watched as I vainly stuffed towels and old cushions in front of the door in a futile attempt to stop water from penetrating the house."

Ms Forbutt said after a trip to the local hardware store, her friend had installed a temporary stormwater barrier using a few pieces of timber.

"In the meantime I put the barrier in the laundry and forgot about it," Ms Forbutt said.

"Several months later I saw flashes of lighting in a dark green sky and heard the rumbling sound of thunder in the distance.

"I quickly installed the barrier, but for good measure I put a pile of clean towels on the kitchen bench, and placed the dog's cushion and laundry basket next to the door.

"I was quietly optimistic the barrier would work, but I was not going to take any chances.

"Once the storm hit I watched from behind the screen door as the volume of rainwater in the street caused a vortex effect over the stormwater drain and water gushed into the air like a geyser.

"Water quickly filled the area outside but to my amazement and great relief, the barrier worked."

Ms Forbutt said she used the stormwater barrier numerous times in the following five years and it never failed.

Ms Forbutt is now selling stormwater barrier packages that include materials and instructions to build the install the barrier.

She said the packages are good value at $55 each considering the cost of replacing expensive carpet as well as the time and energy wasted in washing and folding towels.

Press release, 14 Dec 2009 Margaret Forbutt, Woy Woy