Types of flooding and how to report it

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Surface water flooding

This occurs as a result of high intensity rainfall where excess water ponds at low points. It is intensified in urban areas where there is impermeable land because water is unable to enter the drainage systems at sufficient rates or infiltrate below the ground. It can also occur where a drain becomes blocked by material such as leaves or mud preventing surface water from draining away.

Overflowing or blocked roadside drains are the responsibility of Hounslow Council and Hounslow Highways to clear. Please report any related incidents via any of the following:


Sewer or burst water mains flooding

This occurs when the amount of rainfall entering the sewer network is too large to be contained due to a lack of sewer capacity. This can also be caused by the failure of key infrastructure such as pumps, pipes and valves or by blockages from FOGs (fats, oils, greases). Thames Water (TWUL) is responsible for public water supply and wastewater treatment for the majority of Hounslow, however Affinity Water manages some of the network too. If you are unsure: Find your local water supplier, visit the Water UK website


Property flooding

Floods caused by private drains are the responsibility of the property owner. Click here you wish to report a problem with the drains at your property to the Council.


River or watercourse flooding

Fluvial Flooding - This occurs when heavy or prolonged periods of rain cause a river to exceed its capacity and overflow onto adjacent land. The Environment Agency has duties and powers in relation to main rivers in the UK.

Tidal Flooding - This occurs during extremely high tide and/or storm surge events. The risk of tidal flooding in Hounslow is relatively low dur to the presence of the Thames Tidal Defences (TTD), most notably the Thames Barrier, which currently protect properties during storm events.

The Environment Agency (EA) are responsible for fluvial flooding of main rivers, these include the Thames, Duke of Northumberland and Brent River.

The Environment Agency incident helplines can be used in the event of flooding on a main river

  • Environment Agency Floodline, open 24/7 - 08459 881188
  • Environment Agency Incident Hotline, open 24/7 - 0800 80 70 60
  • Environment Agency General Enquiry Line - 03708 506 506

Alternatively you can contact Hounslow Council via flooding@hounslow.gov.uk


Groundwater flooding

This occurs when the underground water table rises, which can cause water emerging through the ground. This type of flooding typically occurs after extensive periods of heavy rainfall. Please contact flooding@hounslow.gov.uk to report any related issues.


Transport drainage issues

Transport for London is responsible for drainage associated with bus stops, subways, and tubes. Network Rail is responsible for drainage issues along train tracks. You should report any fault relating to a Red Route (A316 or A205) directly to Transport for London (TfL).

Please note: there is a call out charge of £160 for retrieving lost property from a drain, even if the property is not recovered. To report any incidents to TfL visit Streetcare (tfl.gov.uk)

Alternatively, contact TfL on 0343 222 1234

To report a flood along train tracks, contact Network Rail on 03457 11 41 41 (open 24/7)

Surface water flooding

This occurs as a result of high intensity rainfall where excess water ponds at low points. It is intensified in urban areas where there is impermeable land because water is unable to enter the drainage systems at sufficient rates or infiltrate below the ground. It can also occur where a drain becomes blocked by material such as leaves or mud preventing surface water from draining away.

Overflowing or blocked roadside drains are the responsibility of Hounslow Council and Hounslow Highways to clear. Please report any related incidents via any of the following:


Sewer or burst water mains flooding

This occurs when the amount of rainfall entering the sewer network is too large to be contained due to a lack of sewer capacity. This can also be caused by the failure of key infrastructure such as pumps, pipes and valves or by blockages from FOGs (fats, oils, greases). Thames Water (TWUL) is responsible for public water supply and wastewater treatment for the majority of Hounslow, however Affinity Water manages some of the network too. If you are unsure: Find your local water supplier, visit the Water UK website


Property flooding

Floods caused by private drains are the responsibility of the property owner. Click here you wish to report a problem with the drains at your property to the Council.


River or watercourse flooding

Fluvial Flooding - This occurs when heavy or prolonged periods of rain cause a river to exceed its capacity and overflow onto adjacent land. The Environment Agency has duties and powers in relation to main rivers in the UK.

Tidal Flooding - This occurs during extremely high tide and/or storm surge events. The risk of tidal flooding in Hounslow is relatively low dur to the presence of the Thames Tidal Defences (TTD), most notably the Thames Barrier, which currently protect properties during storm events.

The Environment Agency (EA) are responsible for fluvial flooding of main rivers, these include the Thames, Duke of Northumberland and Brent River.

The Environment Agency incident helplines can be used in the event of flooding on a main river

  • Environment Agency Floodline, open 24/7 - 08459 881188
  • Environment Agency Incident Hotline, open 24/7 - 0800 80 70 60
  • Environment Agency General Enquiry Line - 03708 506 506

Alternatively you can contact Hounslow Council via flooding@hounslow.gov.uk


Groundwater flooding

This occurs when the underground water table rises, which can cause water emerging through the ground. This type of flooding typically occurs after extensive periods of heavy rainfall. Please contact flooding@hounslow.gov.uk to report any related issues.


Transport drainage issues

Transport for London is responsible for drainage associated with bus stops, subways, and tubes. Network Rail is responsible for drainage issues along train tracks. You should report any fault relating to a Red Route (A316 or A205) directly to Transport for London (TfL).

Please note: there is a call out charge of £160 for retrieving lost property from a drain, even if the property is not recovered. To report any incidents to TfL visit Streetcare (tfl.gov.uk)

Alternatively, contact TfL on 0343 222 1234

To report a flood along train tracks, contact Network Rail on 03457 11 41 41 (open 24/7)

Page published: 13 Aug 2024, 11:28 AM