Flood risk - who is responsible?

There are a number of agencies who might be responsible for sorting out problems with regard to flooding – it depends on where the problem is:

LLFA Lead Local Flood Authority (Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council or Rutland County Council in our area – responsible for planned flood prevention work affecting non main river and ground water and ensuring that Riparian Owners keep the ordinary watercourses clear)

HD Highways Departments (City, County and Rutland Councils - deal with non main river and ground water flooding including road flooding and flooding from public drains)

WSC Water and Sewerage Company (Severn Trent Water and Anglian Water in our area – responsible for blocked sewers, sewer flooding and burst water mains)

RO Riparian Owner (this is the term given to the owner of the land adjacent to a watercourse)

LDBC Local District and Borough Councils (Local councils have differing policies with regard to sandbags and not all councils will provide them. Contact your local council for local arrangements.)

HOWEVER … it’s not so complicated if you need to report a potential flood risk or a flooding incident.

Burst water main or sewage involved Severn Trent or Anglian Water

Life at risk 999

Request for sandbags Local district or borough council

All others Leicestershire County Council or Leicester City Council Customer Services

Go to the first scenario

Do you know who would be responsible in these scenarios?

Scenario 1

Vegetation overhanging a main river which is starting to catch debris

It is thought that this could cause a flood risk in future if not dealt with

The location is at the end of a garden of a property

Who should you call?

Highways Water Company Land Owner Council 999

Yes, that’s right. It is the riparian owner’s responsibility to maintain overhanging vegetation and allow water through their land.

The LLFAs also have Statutory powers under the Land Drainage Act (1991) to ensure that Riparian Owners keep the ordinary watercourse clear.

No. In this scenario it is the riparian owner’s responsibility to maintain overhanging vegetation and allow water through their land

Next scenario

Do you know who would be responsible in these scenarios?

Scenario 2

A highway gully has become blocked and water is flooding out onto the highway during a heavy rain storm

Highways Water Company Land Owner Council 999

Yes, that’s right. Flooding on a road or caused by a blocked public drain should be notified to the council so that it can be dealt with by the Highways Department. Contact Customer Services at Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, or Rutland County Council, depending on where the flooding is.

No. Flooding on a road or caused by a blocked public drain should be notified to the council so that it can be dealt with by the Highways Department. Contact Customer Services at Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, or Rutland County Council, depending on where the flooding is.

Next scenario

Do you know who would be responsible in these scenarios?

Scenario 3

Large debris has ended up in a main river and is causing a blockage

It is thought that this could cause a flood risk if there is any heavy rain

Highways Water Company Land Owner Council 999

Yes, that’s right. Although this is a main river, technically it is the riparian owner’s responsibility to remove debris from the watercourse even if it hasn’t originated in their land. However where it poses a significant flood risk, the Environment Agency‘s Incident Command Service should also be advised.

No. Although this is a main river, technically it is the riparian owner’s responsibility to remove debris from the watercourse even if it hasn’t originated in their land. However where it poses a significant flood risk, the Environment Agency‘s Incident Command Service should also be advised.

Next scenario

Do you know who would be responsible in these scenarios?

Scenario 4

A jet of water has suddenly broken through a road surface, creating a sizeable hole and water is cascading down the hill.

Highways Water Company Land Owner Council 999

Yes, that’s right. Anything concerning burst water mains, blocked sewers or sewer flooding should be reported to Severn Trent Water or Anglian Water, depending on where the problem is located.

No. Anything concerning burst water mains, blocked sewers or sewer flooding should be reported to Severn Trent Water or Anglian Water depending on where the problem is located.

Next scenario

Do you know who would be responsible in these scenarios?

Scenario 5

A resident has reported to you that Mr Smith has been depositing debris and lawn clippings into a small ordinary watercourse adjacent to his house

Mrs Jones has a tree that is growing into the watercourse.

Highways Water Company Land Owner Council 999

Yes, that’s right. Technically the riparian owner has responsibility to remove debris from the watercourse even if it hasn’t originated in their land.

A first course of action would be to remind Mr Smith and Mrs Jones that they have responsibility to keep their sections of the watercourse clear.

The LLFAs also have Statutory powers under the Land Drainage Act (1991) to ensure that Riparian Owners keep the ordinary watercourse clear.

No. Technically the riparian owner has responsibility to remove debris from the watercourse even if it hasn’t originated in their land.

A first course of action would be to remind Mr Smith and Mrs Jones that they have responsibility to keep their sections of the watercourse clear.

The LLFAs also have Statutory powers under the Land Drainage Act (1991) to ensure that Riparian Owners keep the ordinary watercourse clear.

Next scenario

Do you know who would be responsible in these scenarios?

Scenario 6

Torrential rain has led to fast rising flood waters.

You have spotted a car being swept away and believe there might be a passenger inside.

Highways Water Company Land Owner Council 999

Yes, that’s right. Life might be at risk so you should report the incident to the Emergency Services without delay. DO NOT attempt to enter the flood water yourself - it is extremely dangerous.

No. Life might be at risk so you should report the incident to the Emergency Services without delay. DO NOT attempt to enter the flood water yourself - it is extremely dangerous.

Next scenario

Do you know who would be responsible in these scenarios?

Scenario 7

A local resident is concerned about rising water levels flooding their property and wants to request sandbags.

Highways Water Company Land Owner Council 999

Yes and no – this is a tricky one. Your local District or Borough Council doesn’t have any statutory responsibilities to provide sandbags, indeed opinions are divided as to whether sandbags help at all. Each council has its own policy on the subject so contact your council to confirm their arrangements.

No. Your local District or Borough Council might operate a policy of providing sandbags but you need to check this out. There isn’t any statutory responsibility to provide sandbags, indeed opinions are divided as to whether sandbags help at all. Each council has its own policy on the subject so contact your council to confirm their arrangements.

More information

Do you live in an area which floods?

Would you like to find out about becoming a Flood Warden?

Phone 0116 305 6101 or email emergency.management@leics.gov.uk

For more information we also have a downloadable document that you can use for reference.

Information Sheet