Flooding, Sewers, Drains and Gullies
Flooding and Drainage on the Public Highway
We are responsible for the gullies, or road drains as they are sometimes called, which are located on the Public Highway. These gullies collect the water running off the road and pavement areas.
Gullies are usually located at the edge of the kerb where the road meets the pavement and have a metal grill as a cover. Sometimes these grills can become blocked with mud or leaves and prevent the water draining. Also, on occasion the gullies get blocked or cannot handle the capacity of water flowing and overflow onto the road.
The following give guidance on who to contact for various types of flooding on the highway:
Flooding on the Public Highway
If you have noticed a blocked gully or broken grill you can contact us 020 8356 2897 or complete the form above.
Flooding from Public Sewers
The water company own and manage the network of public foul and surface water sewers. The majority of public sewers are located in the highway and the Council has a copy of the sewer maps, which can be viewed at the Council Offices. To report an overflowing public sewer, you should contact Thames Water FREEPHONE LEAKLINE on 0800 714 614.
Flooding from Private Sewers or Drains
If your private drains or sewers are overflowing, you will need a drainage contractor to deal with any blockage. (see "Yellow Pages" or similar local directories). If you are uncertain if any blockage is in the public or private sewers, Thames Water should be able to determine this, once on site. They will recharge you the cost of any work on the private sewers.
Flooding from a Burst Water Main
Thames Water are responsible for their supply up to and including the water stopcock and can be reported on their FREEPHONE LEAKLINE on 0800 714 614.
Flooding from a Water Service Pipe or Internal Pipework
This is the responsibility of the homeowner or landlord and would need the attention of a plumber (see "Yellow Pages" or similar directories).
Flooding from a Main River
The main rivers are the responsibility of the Environment Agency and can be contacted on 0845 933 3111. In addition, the Agency provide a "Floodline", which is a 24 hour advice and information service for floods and flood warning on 0845 988 1188.
Provision of Sandbags to Protect against Flooding
The Council makes sandbags available to residents of the district, during emergency situations, to enable them to protect their homes from flooding. However, residents who are aware that their homes are at a high risk of flooding, eg. as a result of the close proximity of a watercourse, are recommended to obtain sandbags from a builders' merchant to enable early preparation, as at times of flooding the Council's contractor may not be able to reach all properties before flooding occurs.
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Main Rivers - Environment Agency (EA) - 0845 933 3111
Main Drainage/Sewers - Thames Water – 0845 9 200 800
Burst Mains - Thames Water - 0800 714 614
Other Drainage on Public Highways - Council Drainage section 020 8356 2897
Other drainage on private land - land owners
Flooding from Watercourses, Main Rivers and Canals
Page updated: 14 Feb 2008