Flooding of roads, highways, drains and gullies

The following notes give guidance on who to contact for various types of flooding:

Flooding from public sewers

The water company owns and manages the network of public foul and surface water sewers. The Council has a copy of the sewer maps, which can be viewed at the Council Offices. To report an overflowing public sewer, call Thames Water Utilities Customer Services on 08459 200800.

Flooding from private sewers or drains

If your private drains or sewers are overflowing, you will need a drainage contractor to deal with any blockage. See "Yellow Pages" under "Drain and Pipe Cleaning". If you are uncertain if a blockage is in the public or private sewers, Thames Water should, in the first instance, be able to give you relevant advice. 

Advice may also be sought from the Council on 01438 242843 during office hours (engineers@stevenage.gov.uk) , or on the Council’s emergency number during out of office hours. See also: Blocked Drains

Flooding from the public highway

To report flooding from the public highway, blocked road gullies or gratings, contact Hertfordshire Highways on 01438 737320.

Flooding from a burst water main

The local water supply company is Three Valley Water Company.  The water company is responsible for supply of water up to and including the water stopcock. Water supply issues: 0845 7823333,   Leakspotters helpline: 0800 3765325

Flooding from a water service pipe or internal pipework

This is the responsibility of the homeowner or landlord and would need the attention of a plumber (see the "Yellow Pages" or similar directories).

Flooding from a main rRiver

The main rivers are the responsibility of the Environment Agency, on 08708 506506. In addition, the Agency operates a "Floodline" on 0845 988 1188.  The "Floodline" is a 24 hour advice and information service for floods and flood warnings .

Flooding from watercourses, other than main rivers

Watercourses, other than main rivers, are the responsibility of riparian owners. You may be the riparian owner if your property or land is on, or very near to, a watercourse. Riparian owners have a duty to keep the watercourse clear of any obstruction to flow.  The Council 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 The Council's contractor on a regular basis.

Provision of sandbags to protect against flooding

The Council holds a limited number of sandbags which can be made available to residents during emergency situations for the protection of their homes from flooding. However, as the number of sandbags available is limited, they will be issued on a priority basis. 

Residents who are aware that their homes are at a high risk of flooding, eg. because their property is situated in a low spot or as a result of the close proximity of a watercourse, are recommended to obtain sandbags from a builders' merchant to enable early preparation.  At times of flooding The Council's contractor will not be able to provide sandbags to all properties which may be prone to flooding.