Watercourse flooding
A watercourse is any natural or artificial channel above or below ground through which water flows. Examples include a river, brook, beck, ditch, mill stream or culvert (excluding public sewers).
If you own land above or with a watercourse running through it you are a 'riparian owner' and have responsibilities. You may also have 'riparian owner' responsibilities if your land boundary is next to a watercourse.
Further information about owning a watercourse can be found on the GOV.UK website (external link).
Downloads
Who to contact
The following list is not definitive, as characteristics of each watercourse dictate the responsibility. In most cases, it should help direct you to the correct agency in an emergency.
| Type of flooding | Contact during working hours | Contact out of hours (including weekends and public holidays) |
|---|---|---|
| Flooding on or from the highway (including road gullies and highway culverts) |
Surrey Country Council: 03456 009 009 Please have a good description of the location ready to enable a quicker response. More information on drainage and flooding can be found on the Surrey County Council website (external link) |
Surrey County Council: 03456 009 009 |
| Blocked gullies (surface debris such as fallen leaves or litter) |
Surrey County Council Report a blocked gully on the Surrey County Council website (external link) |
Surrey County Council: 03456 009 009 |
| Main River such as the Blackwater, Bourne, Millbourne, Windlebrook and Trulley Brook |
Environment Agency Email: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk (link sends email) General enquiries: 03708 506 506 Flood: 03459 88 11 88 |
Environment Agency: 0800 80 70 60 Floodline: 03459 88 11 88 |
| Canals | Basingstoke Canal Authority: 01252 370073 | Basingstoke Canal Authority: 01252 370073 |
| Mains drainage or public sewage |
Thames Water: 0800 316 9800 Flooding from manholes in the road should also be reported to Surrey County Council Highways to ensure road safety is maintained. Phone: 03456 009 009. |
Thames Water: 0800 316 9800 |
| Cesspools and septic tanks |
In the interests of good neighbour relations you should first advise the owner yourself, as they may not have realised. Most will respond favourably and get it sorted out. If a resolution cannot be found then please report the matter to Private Sector Housing Enforcement in Regulatory Services by phoning 01276 707100. They will then take the matter up with the owner directly. |
Surrey Heath Borough Council: 01276 707100 |
| Land drainage or a non-main river |
Surrey County Council: 03456 009 009 More information on drainage and flooding can be found on the Surrey County Council website (external link) |
Surrey County Council: 03456 009 009 |
| Private sewer, private land or private road serving more than one property | Thames Water: 0800 316 9800 | Thames Water: 0800 316 9800 |
| Flooding from fields and parks (including all open spaces) | Surrey Heath Borough Council: 01276 707100 | Surrey Heath Borough Council: 01276 707100 |
| Flooding from unknown location (please ensure no listing detailed above) | Surrey County Council: 03456 009 009 | Surrey County Council: 03456 009 009 |