Flooding

Events have shown that flooding can be a major problem for many people in the England even at times of year when we least expect it. Flooding can pose a risk to health and safety as well as causing damage to property. If, as many people believe, global warming will result in more frequent problems this will lead to greater effects in the future. It therefore makes sense for everyone to assess the risk to their property now and to plan ahead. The links on the right hand side of this page provide a variety of useful information and handy, simple tips for householders to use, including effective methods of protecting your property.

Flooding can generally be categorised into different types of flooding.

River Flooding

Floods are natural events. They mainly happen when the river receives greater than usual amounts of water (for example through rainfall or melting snow). The river cannot cope and this extra water causes the level of the water in the river to rise and a flood to take place. This flooding may take place at any point along the river course and not necessarily at the place where the extra water has entered.

Bracknell Forest is lucky in that it has no major river that could burst its banks and flood large areas. We do however have some smaller ones and these and the ditches that feed into them all play an important role when it comes to keeping the Borough free from flooding problems. In the event of these being considered at risk then the role of the Council is limited but we would assist those with the responsibility for the river if we could.

Flooding from main rivers
The main rivers are the responsibility of the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506. In addition, the Environment Agency provides a Floodline, which is a 24-hour advice and information service for floods and flood warnings on 0845 988 1188.

Flooding from watercourses, other than main rivers
Watercourses are the responsibility of riparian owners. Riparian owners are those that have a water course or ditch line on or adjacent to their property.

Riparian owners have a duty to keep the watercourse clear of any obstruction to flow and the Council can serve legal notices on riparian owners to deal with obstructions.

If you have responsibilities for a watercourse or a ditch line then you should ensure that it is maintained properly. If you are not sure please contact the Environment Agency and they should be able to advise you of who has ownership.

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Surface Water Flooding

The existing surface water system is able to cope with most eventualities. However, in the time of prolonged rainfall the system reaches capacity and the ground is no longer able to absorb any more. Problems may then occur as the rain has nowhere to go. As a result of this, flash flooding may flood property and highways. It is very difficult to predict this type of flooding. It may affect a widespread area and the extent of the flooding is relevant to the duration and intensity of rainfall. The Council’s response will be assessed on the severity at the time of the event.

The highways team inspects highways culverts and clear drains throughout the year to pre-empt surface water problems. If you suspect a problem with a blocked culvert call the Council on 01344 352000. If there is a period of heavy rain you can often help prevent problems by making sure that grids on the drains are kept free of the debris being washed down with the rain.

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Ground Water Flooding

This is rainfall that has filtered through the land to rest below the surface. How far below the surface depends on the geology of your area – flooding from groundwater cannot be forecast. The first sign of groundwater levels rising will be evident in low lying ditches or in property such as a cellar. If you have a cellar then making sure you have a pump, and that the pump is regularly maintained is essential.

Sewer or Drain Flooding

Flooding from sewers (surface or foul water) is due to either an obstruction which restricts the flow, or when the capacity of the sewer is exceeded. If the capacity of the drainage system becomes overwhelmed, then the system can surcharge and flow out the manhole and drain covers. Flood water from any source can be hazardous. Therefore it is inadvisable to come into contact with flood water.

Thames Water owns and maintains the network of public sewers. Public sewers in the Bracknell area can be located anywhere from highways, private gardens and fields. To report an overflowing public sewer, you should call Thames Water Customer Services on 0845 9200 800 (24-hour service). Thames Water is not responsible for most of the systems prior to them entering the public sewer. The responsibility for such systems rests with those who use it. The Council has power to require owners to maintain such systems. If there is a problem with a private sewer or a drain, contact the Council's Environmental Health Team on 01344 352000.

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Water Mains Flooding

Flooding from a burst water main
Burst drinking water mains are the responsibility of South East Water and Three Valleys Water. The water suppliers are responsible for their supply pipes up to and including the water stopcock. The easiest way to find out who is responsible is by checking your water bill.

Flooding from a water service pipe or internal pipe work
After the stopcock the pipe work is the responsibility of the householder and it makes sense to check in advance that you know how to isolate your system and who you would ring in an emergency.