In My Area
There are many different causes of flooding. We’re doing what we can to improve our network and to reduce the risk.
Improving the sewer system
We take care of over 90,000km of sewer pipes and have invested millions to develop and improve the system.
Between 2020 and 2025, we will invest £100 million on sewer enhancements. This will include projects to:
- upsize sewers and increase capacity
- create off-line storage tanks to cope with storm water
- enhancing natural drainage
These plans also include community programs to create urban wetlands and green basins. These help keep storm water out of the sewers and enable it to drain away naturally.
Installing monitoring devices
We’re installing monitoring devices on our sewer network. These detect a build-up of debris in the sewer before it causes a more serious problem.
Campaigning for sustainable urban drainage
We’re campaigning for building developers to focus on sustainable urban drainage.
We want them to include features like permeable pavements in their projects. These help to reduce surface water getting into the sewers.
Reduce flooding caused by heavy rain
We’re working to reduce and prevent sewer flooding caused by storms.
Protecting homes and businesses
We’re developing technology to help forecast sewer flooding caused by heavy rain. This will help protect homes and businesses in our region.
We help residents in areas with flooding problems to protect their home or business. This can include helping to install or giving advice about:
- flood doors
- flood gates
- non-return valves
A non-return valve stops waste flowing back into your home through pipes that connect household appliances to drains.
It's important to carefully plan these solutions. They are only effective in certain situations and can create flooding issues elsewhere.
Simple steps you can take to protect your home
There are some simple steps you can take to help reduce the risk of sewer flooding in your home.