Information on different types of flooding and what we can all do about it.
First, a little background information....
Why is drainage so important?
Drainage is a very important feature of road construction. New roads are designed to include drainage systems to remove water efficiently from the surface of the highway and this then provides a safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians. Older roads may have less sophisticated drainage systems but all roads have features designed to take the water away from the road surface.
It is also necessary to clean and maintain these drainage systems so that they work properly.
Unfortunately, problems still occur even when drainage systems are clean and well maintained. Flooded and waterlogged roads will often result when the amount of water arriving on the road is greater than the capacity of the drainage system to take it away. This can be the case during an intense and sudden downpour that may last for a short time or for several hours. This type of rainfall simply overwhelms the capacity of the drains and can cause localised flooding, this usually only lasts until the storm subsides and the drains are again able to cope. The water will then normally drain away quite quickly.
During typically heavy rainfall, a road that is in a low lying area and surrounded by fields may well suffer from 'run off'' from those adjacent fields or nearby rivers. When fields become flooded or a river overflows, these effects lead to localised flooding even when drains are in perfect working order.
Of course. material is carried into the drains by floods and this could also lead to them becoming blocked. Drainage grills and gratings (eg. on gullies) can become blocked very quickly when materials like mud are deposited on the road or when there is a heavy fall of leaves. Road debris from collisions and ordinary litter also finds its way into the gulley system and can create blockages. All of these things effect the flow of water and the efficiency of the drainage system. Preston City Council and the County Council regularly inspect gullies to prevent the build up of materials, however supermarket trolleys, builders materials and fly tipping are all problems that we encounter on a regular basis.
Water is directed to drains by the road profile, although puddles (ponding) can occur if there is a depression in the road. This can be rectified if necessary by local patching of the road surface.
The following notes help to give guidance on who to contact for various types of flooding:
Flooding from different places -
A Mains burst in the street or road.
If a flood is caused by a ruptured water main, the local water company will be responsible for repairing any damage - In Preston, United Utilities can be contacted on 08456 020406.
Public Sewers
The local water company own and manage the network of public foul and surface water sewers. The majority of public sewers are located in highways and these are the responsibility of the water company. In the Preston area, the water company is United Utilities and they can be contacted on 08456 020406
Flooding from Private Sewers or Drains
If your private drain or sewers are overflowing, you will probably need a drainage contractor to deal with any blockage. See "Yellow Pages" under "Drain and Pipe Cleaning".
If you are uncertain if any blockage is in the public or private sewers, the Water Company should be able to determine this, however, once on site. they may recharge you for the cost of any work on private sewers. (Generally speaking, you are responsible for the pipework from the boundary of your property to the house itself - correct at time of writing) )
Flooding from the Public Highway
For flooding from the public highway or reporting blocked road gullies or gratings, please call: 0845 053 00 11
Flooding from a Water Service Pipe or Internal Pipework
This is the responsibility of the home-owner 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, on 08708 506 506. In addition, the Agency provide a "Floodline", which is a free 24 hour advice and information service for floods and flood warnings on 0845 988 1188. If you live near a main river or other major watercourse, we recommend that you ring the free 'floodline' service to sign up to the flood warning service provided by the Environment agency.
Flooding from Watercourses, other than Main Rivers
Watercourses, other than main rivers, are the responsibility of riparian owners. You are a riparian owner if your property, or your land is on, or very near, a watercourse. Riparian owners have a duty to keep the watercourse clear of any obstruction to flow and we can serve legal notices on riparian owners to deal with obstructions. Certain "strategic" watercourses, that are known to pose a high risk of property flooding if they become blocked, are checked and maintained by ourselves or our contractors on a regular basis.
Provision of Sandbags to Protect against Flooding
The Council no longer holds a stock of sandbags. We therefore encourage residents or landlords to make their own arrangements with local building suppliers if they feel that sandbags would be of use. The Pitt report on flooding pointed out that the use of sandbags had limited benefits and the fitting of flood boards was considered to be far more effective.
Local flooding effecting households
Householders and residents may know that their homes are at a higher risk of flooding, perhaps because they have been historically subject to flooding or they live in close proximity to a watercourse, are asked to consider putting their own simple plans in place so that everyone in the household knows what to do if the area begins to flood. The environment agency has lots of advice available either online at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/default.aspx or in leaflet form which can be obtained at libraries and other council buildings cross the county. Individuals may also wish to visit the local builders' merchant to see what is available to assist in home flood defences.
We are currently working with the Environment Agency, United Utilities and the County Council to identify locations in Preston that are at most risk and we aim to do everything reasonably practicable to reduce those risks.
Date Updated: 11/08/10