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Weather, Flooding and Land Drainage Guidance

The responsibility for flooding and drainage problems can be complicated, and the following is not definitive, but hopefully in most cases it will direct you to the correct agency.

Types of flooding and who to contact

Highway Drainage (including road gullies and highway culverts)

• For gullies obstructed by surface debris such as fallen leaves, please contact Environmental Health
  Tel: 01276 707330
  environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk
  
• Internally blocked gullies or gullies causing localised flooding should be reported to Surrey County Council Highways Department
  Tel: 03456 009009
  View Surrey County Council - Drainage and Flooding Opens in a new window
  
• The Met Office website issues National Severe Weather Warnings. The geographic area covered by Surrey Heath is London and South East England - view weather conditions Opens in a new window.

Flooding from the River
Some areas in the Borough, may be at risk of flooding from the Rivers which flow through the locality.

There is likely to be an increased risk of flood damage to your property if you live near to any river. The River Bourne, River Blackwater, Millbourne, Windlebrook and some tributary watercourses are maintained by the Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency provide flood plain information to asses the risk to your property, view the flood plain information. Opens in a new window Please note that the flood plain details are subject to change as new information is recorded.

If you have any concerns about the River near your home at any time, please call the:

• Environment Agency: 0870 850 6506
• General enquiry line: 08459 333 111
• Emergency hotline: 0800 807060
• Floodline: 08459 881 188
• enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Public Sewer
Most of the County is covered by Thames Water Opens in a new window. You may be covered by South East Water Opens in a new window for your mains water supply but within the Surrey Heath area Thames Water manage the sewer system on their behalf.

Private Sewer, Private Land or a Private Road
This is the responsibility of the property owner. To find out who owns an area of land or property, contact the Land Registry. Opens in a new window

Flooding of private property from the Highway
Occasionally, due to problems with drainage gullies in the road, the public highway gets flooded and this can spread to neighbouring property which could be your house or garden. You need to report this directly to the Highway Authority, which is Surrey County Council and is no longer covered by Surrey Heath Borough Council.

Surrey County Council Highways has a 24/7 response service, with arrangements to receive calls outside working hours 03456 09009.