Report flooding and problems with drainage

To avoid duplicate reports of the same issue, please do check our mapping system prior to getting in contact to see if we are already aware.

Urgent issues

If you're reporting an urgent issue that requires immediate attention call:  

• 0118 974 6000 and select the 'roads and road maintenance' option 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
• 0800 212 111 out of Hours - Monday to Friday 5pm to 9am, weekend days and public holidays 

An urgent issue is defined as something that is very likely to present an imminent threat to life, serious injury, or serious damage to property. We aim to respond to urgent issues within 2 hours.

Non-urgent issues

Surface Water and Drainage

When very heavy rain falls on hard surfaces such as roads and footways, drainage systems can become overwhelmed and surface water may build up. This does not necessarily mean that the drainage is blocked or faulty.  It may simply be a capacity issue. 

If after a couple of hours the water has not drained away then it probably constitutes a blockage which may be caused by mud, leaves, litter, or other debris or potentially a structural failing e.g. pipe collapse.

Report an Issue

Use our mapping system to report any of the following issues:

• Blocked drains or gullies
• Broken, missing or sunken drain covers
• Flooding or standing water on the highway having allowed 24 hours after heavy rain, for the water to have cleared naturally,

We aim to inspect non urgent issues within 10 working days and repair these issues within 28 days. However, complex cases may take longer to investigate and resolve. We would also ask that you bear with our team during periods of heavy rainfall where demand can significantly increase which can cause delays in our response times. 

Report flooding or drainage problems 

Maintaining Drains in Wokingham Borough

Our highways contractor Volker Highways, maintains highway drains (known as gullies) on adopted public roads on our behalf. High-risk locations and known problem areas are cleaned more frequently based on risk and historical data.

Common Causes of Blocked Drains

• Leaves, silt, and debris
• Blocked or damaged connecting pipes
• Tree root intrusion
• Cracks or defects in older pipes

How Blocked Drains Are Cleared

We use high-pressure hoses to blast through the pipes to try and clear a blockage and a root cutter attachment to clear tree roots. If we aren't able to clear the blockage we use a camera to locate the problem. Often the only solution is to dig the road up and replace the pipework.

How the drains are cleaned

A tanker with a suction hose takes an average of five minutes to clear each drain.

• The drain cover is lifted
• The hose is lowered into the drain pot and the sediment and debris vacuumed up into the tanker
• Water is then flushed back into the drain to ensure the system is working properly

Please help us by not tipping waste such as concrete and oil down the drains, or blowing leaves on to the highways, as this can block the pipes and contaminate ditches, streams and rivers.

Access to drains

Sometimes we need to clean the drains but can't because cars are parked over them. If we need to clean the drains in a road where there are normally cars parked, we will put signs up showing the planned cleaning dates. Please help us by parking elsewhere during this period.

Broken Or Missing Drain Covers

We are responsible for replacing missing or broken drain covers. Please report issues to us via our mapping system.

Flooding Hotspots

We monitor locations that experience recurring flooding. Sites are prioritised based on risk to safety, impact on homes and businesses, and frequency of flooding.

Riparian Ownership Responsibilities

Landowners with ditches, streams, or watercourses on or next to their land are responsible for maintaining them, keeping them clear, and ensuring water can flow without obstruction.

To reduce the risk of flooding Wokingham Borough Council is encouraging riparian owners to work towards an effective watercourse system through a process of co-operation, liaison, advice and assistance wherever possible. However, under the Land Drainage Act 1991 all Councils have the powers to serve notice on riparian owners, for the removal of any blockage to an ordinary watercourse. Should the riparian owner fail to do so, the Council has powers to undertake the work themselves and recharge the costs to the riparian owner. The Council will try to resolve problems through discussion with the owners in the first instance and enforcement of legislation will only be used as the last resort.

Your responsibilities as a riparian owner are based on the legislation below:

1. The Public Health Act 1936
2. The Land Drainage Acts 1991 and 1994
3. Water Resources Act 1991
4. Environment Agency Land Drainage Byelaws 1981

Sewers – Thames Water Responsibility

Thames Water is responsible for public sewers, pumping stations, and most shared/private sewers. Contact Thames Water for foul drainage issues.

Water leaks/sewage leaks

Most water and sewage leaks are dealt with by the wastewater provider for your location. Find the supplier by searching on the Water.org.uk website.

Manhole Covers 

Utility companies maintain most manhole covers for water, gas, electricity, and telecoms. Legislation limits the action we can take to repair utility company owned equipment. Manhole covers are the most common type of utility owned equipment which we get asked to inspect and repair.

Our role is to investigate reports and notify the correct utility company as soon as possible, providing them with as much evidence as we can. If necessary, we can make a temporary repair (where dangerous) but the owner is responsible for permanent repairs.

Unless the manhole cover is causing a clear danger to safety, utility companies do not have to repair it within a set timescale. Noisy covers are an example of this. Legislation about utility company owned equipment (manhole covers) can be found in Section 81 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

Reporting problems with manhole covers

You can report problems direct to the Utility company or alternatively you can visit our report issues with manhole covers page.

Preventing Surface Water from entering Your Property

See the flooding and drainage advice page to find:

• Up to date flood warnings
• How to prepare for a flood advice
• Sandbag advice
• Permission to work near water
• Local flood risk management strategy
• Flood investigations
• Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) strategy
• Useful websites

Preventing Surface Water / wastewater from Your Property discharging onto the Highway

Residents must ensure water from their property does not discharge onto the highway. Gutters, downpipes, and drainage systems must be repaired and maintained.