Lives were lost. Amid all the talk of climate change; atmospheric rivers; climate resilience programmes; river monitoring systems; building on stilts; passive flood defences, we can point at climate change caused by our destruction of the ozone layer as being a major cause, but what can be done in practical terms?
Aggrieved householders accuse the water companies of not doing enough; of concentrating on paying shareholder dividends instead of investing in the sewer infrastructure. In reality, overwhelmed flood defences are beyond the control of the water firms, whose sewer systems are not designed to take up that much slack. Responsibility here rests with the EA — ultimately national government. And, of course, Highways and local government have to answer the call when it comes to flooded highways, byways and other public areas.
Whichever the authority, meeting demand going forward is going to be a major challenge. And whilst that figure does include all incidents not just surface water flooding , clearly some kind of prevention strategy is essential.
New technology has also allowed the EA to publish sophisticated maps which show that 3million properties are now at risk of flash flooding ie from overwhelmed surface water systems rather than river and coastal overspills. Forewarned is forearmed, at least. Years of urbanisation and concreting over of land means there is less green space to absorb the rainfall.
Planners and builders have to get on board. Taking into account the risks a development will face, developers have to mitigate potential damage, wherever possible trying to capture water and hold up run off through green and brown roofs, porous paving and hold-up tanks.
Smart builders will look at concrete floors, door guards, installing electrical services above ground level, putting attenuation holding tanks underground, even raising land level and floors. All these may help reduce the risk of flooding by lightening the load on a wastewater network stretched beyond breaking point by the results of climate change.
The Met Office is working with the industry to help it understand what to expect and to manage issues such as bursts, leakage, demand and turbidity and mitigate for changes in weather patterns. With Yorkshire Water, for instance, it carried out a detailed review of how weather influenced all areas of their business and, as you would expect, found that air temperature and rainfall had potential to cause most significant disruption.
How well WSCs manage surface water depends on their networks being able to cope with the volume thrown at them. It goes without saying that problems come when supply exceeds demand and systems are overwhelmed. Many kilometres of sewers are being renovated or replaced each year we should know, because as a no dig technology specifialist, Lanes is often involved but it is an uphill struggle. So whilst the WSCs plan 20, 30, maybe 40 years ahead, we should at least attempt to mitigate disaster in our own backyards.
Highway drainage is a key element in the big picture. Congestion, accidents and, yes, flooding all play a part — and therefore come under the microscope. Fortunately Lanes provides highway drainage cleansing services at all levels, from motorways and A-roads for the Highways Agency through local framework agreements; and on B-roads via local authorities.
Drains and gullies collect the surface water and this then either flows into a soakaway whereby the water is taken away from the house, into a septic tank and distributed where it can soak into the gravel and soil , or in many cases, straight into a public sewer system.
The easiest way to tell is to look along the guttering and follow it around the house until you see a pipe that comes down the side of the house and goes directly into the ground. This will indicate that the house is connected directly to the sewer system.
You can follow the rainwater downpipes from the house to see where they go to as a clue to a soakaway system. In the UK in , we received 1, millimetres of rain , so having some form of water drainage system is essential. It is your responsibility to keep your drains clean and clear and your guttering in good condition as long as they are within the boundary of your property. As previously mentioned, surface water is rainwater or melted snow that lands on your property. It can also include pond water and other outdoor water sources.
Keep your gutters clear of rotting leaves and moss by having them cleaned out every few years. Keep your drains free of debris and other rubbish.
You can maintain your drains by reducing or ideally completely removing the amount of fat or grease that goes down the drain, making sure your outdoor drains are clear of leaves and giving your drains a clean every now again with either boiling water, or a chemical cleaning solution. Pour some baking soda, vinegar, and hot water down the drains to help them stay odour free. Brexit Check what you need to do. Explore the topic River maintenance, flooding and coastal erosion. Is this page useful?
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England This advice applies to England: England home Advice can vary depending on where you live. Who is responsible for repairing drains and sewers This advice applies to England Print.
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