There is no single organisation responsible for managing flood risk in the UK. Responsibility is joint among a number of organisations at national and local levels.
Main rivers
Flooding caused by main rivers. This is the responsibility of the Environment Agency.
- Report river flooding on 0800 807 060.
Local roads and highways
Flooding incidents affecting local roads and highways. For example, floods caused by heavy rainfall or a blocked drain. This is the responsibility of Surrey Highways (part of Surrey County Council).
View Surrey County Council's flooding information and advice
Streams, small rivers and ditches
Flooding of ‘ordinary watercourses’ such as natural streams, rivers or ditches, which are not main rivers. This is the responsibility of Woking Borough Council.
To report a minor stream, river or ditch flood, please email us at drainageandfloodrisk@woking.gov.uk
Find out about our water management responsibilities
Drains and sewers
Flooding caused by a public drains and sewers such as leaks and burst water pipes. This is the responsibility of Thames Water.
Flooding caused by private drains and sewers. This is the responsibility of the private landowner.
Contact the Land Registry to find out who is the private landowner
Flood warnings
The Environment Agency issue flood alerts and flood warnings to notify residents when flooding is likely.
There are three levels of flood warnings which are issued by the Environment Agency.
Level 1: flood alerts
Flooding is possible. Be prepared. This alert is normally issued between two hours and two days in advance of flooding. What to do:
- Be prepared to act on your household flood plan.
- Prepare a flood kit of essential items.
- Keep an eye on the local water levels and the flood forecast.
Level 2: flood warning
Flooding is expected. Immediate action required. This warning is issued half an hour to one day in advance of flooding. What to do:
- Move family, pets and valuables to a safe place.
- Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if safe to do so.
- Put flood protections equipment, such as sandbags, in place.
Level 3: severe flood warning
Severe flooding. Danger to life. This warning is used when flooding could cause significant threat to life. What to do:
- Stay in a safe place with a means of escape.
- Be ready to leave your property, if required.
- Co-operate with the emergency services.
- Call 999 if you’re in immediate danger.