Types of flooding and how to report it

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Flooding can be caused by a number of different sources and the responsibility for managing flood risk can vary depending on the source. It is important that flooding is reported to the right authority so that it can be recorded and the appropriate actions can be taken.



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 due to the presence of the Thames Tidal Defences, most notably the Thames Barrier, which currently protect properties during storm events.


The Environment Agency (EA) are responsible for the management of flooding from main rivers, in Hounslow the main rivers are the River Thames, River Crane and the River Brent.


For reports of ongoing flooding of a main river, please contact the Environment Agency.

Environment Agency 24/7 Hotline

Phone: 0800 80 70 60


Please also report to Hounslow Council via flooding@hounslow.gov.uk


For advice about flood risk and forecast, you can contact the Environment Agency's Floodline.

Environment Agency 24/7 Floodline helpline

Phone: 0345 988 1188

Textphone: 0345 602 6340


If your home or business is at risk of flooding, you can Sign up to Flood Alerts


Surface water flooding

This occurs as a result of high intensity rainfall, when water is unable to reach the drainage network at sufficient rates or infiltrate into the ground, so excess water collects at low points. It is intensified in urban areas by the extent of impermeable surfaces where water cannot be absorbed.


Surface water flooding can also occur when a blocked drain, such as by leaves or mud, prevents surface water from draining away. Blocked roadside drains are the responsibility of Hounslow Council and Hounslow Highways to clear.


Please report surface water flooding to Hounslow Council.

Phone (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm): 020 8583 5555

Email: flooding@hounslow.gov.uk

(Please include the address or postcode of the flooding and any pictures where possible)

Online: Report flooding to Hounslow Council


Sewer or water mains flooding

Sewer flooding occurs when the capacity of the sewers is overwhelmed by the volume of water entering the network. This can occur due to a lack of sewer capacity, during a period of heavy rainfall, or 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. Find your local water supplier, visit the Water UK website


To report sewer flooding or a burst water main to Thames Water

Phone (24/7): 0800 316 9800

Online: Thames Water - Report a problem - View and report problems

To report a burst water main to Affinity Water

Online: Report a problem with Affinity Water



Groundwater flooding

This occurs when the underground water table rises, which can cause water to emerge above ground. This type of flooding typically occurs after extensive periods of heavy rainfall.


Please report groundwater flooding to Hounslow Council.

Phone (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm): 020 8583 5555

Email: flooding@hounslow.gov.uk

(Please include the address or postcode of the flooding and any pictures where possible)

Online: Report flooding to Hounslow Council



Property flooding

Flooding caused by private drains are the responsibility of the property owner.

If you wish to report a problem with the drains at your property to the Council please use the online form here.



Transport drainage issues

TfL (Transport for London) is responsible for drainage associated with bus stops and tubes. Network Rail is responsible for drainage issues along train tracks.


Please report any fault relating to a Red Route (A316 or A205) TfL.

Phone: 0343 222 1234

Online: Streetcare (tfl.gov.uk)


Please report any flooding to train tracks to Network Rail.

Phone (24/7): 03457 11 41 41

Flooding can be caused by a number of different sources and the responsibility for managing flood risk can vary depending on the source. It is important that flooding is reported to the right authority so that it can be recorded and the appropriate actions can be taken.



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 due to the presence of the Thames Tidal Defences, most notably the Thames Barrier, which currently protect properties during storm events.


The Environment Agency (EA) are responsible for the management of flooding from main rivers, in Hounslow the main rivers are the River Thames, River Crane and the River Brent.


For reports of ongoing flooding of a main river, please contact the Environment Agency.

Environment Agency 24/7 Hotline

Phone: 0800 80 70 60


Please also report to Hounslow Council via flooding@hounslow.gov.uk


For advice about flood risk and forecast, you can contact the Environment Agency's Floodline.

Environment Agency 24/7 Floodline helpline

Phone: 0345 988 1188

Textphone: 0345 602 6340


If your home or business is at risk of flooding, you can Sign up to Flood Alerts


Surface water flooding

This occurs as a result of high intensity rainfall, when water is unable to reach the drainage network at sufficient rates or infiltrate into the ground, so excess water collects at low points. It is intensified in urban areas by the extent of impermeable surfaces where water cannot be absorbed.


Surface water flooding can also occur when a blocked drain, such as by leaves or mud, prevents surface water from draining away. Blocked roadside drains are the responsibility of Hounslow Council and Hounslow Highways to clear.


Please report surface water flooding to Hounslow Council.

Phone (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm): 020 8583 5555

Email: flooding@hounslow.gov.uk

(Please include the address or postcode of the flooding and any pictures where possible)

Online: Report flooding to Hounslow Council


Sewer or water mains flooding

Sewer flooding occurs when the capacity of the sewers is overwhelmed by the volume of water entering the network. This can occur due to a lack of sewer capacity, during a period of heavy rainfall, or 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. Find your local water supplier, visit the Water UK website


To report sewer flooding or a burst water main to Thames Water

Phone (24/7): 0800 316 9800

Online: Thames Water - Report a problem - View and report problems

To report a burst water main to Affinity Water

Online: Report a problem with Affinity Water



Groundwater flooding

This occurs when the underground water table rises, which can cause water to emerge above ground. This type of flooding typically occurs after extensive periods of heavy rainfall.


Please report groundwater flooding to Hounslow Council.

Phone (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm): 020 8583 5555

Email: flooding@hounslow.gov.uk

(Please include the address or postcode of the flooding and any pictures where possible)

Online: Report flooding to Hounslow Council



Property flooding

Flooding caused by private drains are the responsibility of the property owner.

If you wish to report a problem with the drains at your property to the Council please use the online form here.



Transport drainage issues

TfL (Transport for London) is responsible for drainage associated with bus stops and tubes. Network Rail is responsible for drainage issues along train tracks.


Please report any fault relating to a Red Route (A316 or A205) TfL.

Phone: 0343 222 1234

Online: Streetcare (tfl.gov.uk)


Please report any flooding to train tracks to Network Rail.

Phone (24/7): 03457 11 41 41

Page last updated: 11 Dec 2024, 06:05 PM