Flooding
Flooding Advice for Householders
To assist householders in the event of a flood, the Environment Agency have produced a Flooding advice for Householders guide.
In additon to the guide, there are also a number of advice leaflets and guides available to download.
Who should I contact if I have a problem with Flooding?
Flooding due to a Blocked Road Gully
If the problem is due to a blocked road gully or a problem with drains on the highway, please report the problem online.
If the flooding is an emergency, please call us on 0161 912 2000. Our telephone call centre is open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.00pm.
If you are calling out of hours, please telephone 0161 912 2020.
Flooding due to a problem with the Public Sewer
If the problem is due to a blockage within the public sewer, you should contact United Utilities on 0845 602 0406.
Flooding due to a problem with a Private Drainage System
Flooding to private property as a result of a blockage or defect on a private drainage system or failed land drainage system is usually the responsibility of the householder or land owner.
Flooding due to a problem with Watercourses or Culverted Watercourses
Watercourses can be either Main River or Ordinary. Main Rivers are usually larger streams and rivers but can include smaller watercourses of strategic drainage importance. Ordinary watercourses can be any river, stream, ditch or drain other than a public sewer. Watercourses are often piped or culverted through urban areas and householders are often unaware of there existence or the responsibilities they may have towards them.
Watercourses are typically the responsibility of 'Riparian Owners' that is, they belong to whoever's land through which they pass or if the watercourse forms a boundary then usually responsibility is shared between the adjoining landowners.
The Land Drainage Act 1991 places responsibility for maintaining flows in watercourses on landowners. Section 25 of the Act gives the Council powers to serve notice on erring landowner(s) to ensure works are carried out to maintain flow. There is a right of appeal should you be served with a notice but refusal to carry out legitimately required works can lead to a fine and the Council can carry out the works in default and recharge those responsible for all costs incurred.
Flooding from watercourses can be local or general in nature and can occur as a result of an obstruction, long term silting or other defect usually associated with heavy or prolonged rainfall. Riparian owners should not impede the flow of water in a watercourse, cause a blockage or use it for the disposal of garden waste. Any works proposed by a riparian owner on a watercourse that may affect the flow will require the permission of the Council. Under the Land Drainage Act 1991 the Council is the Operating Authority for ordinary watercourses. The Act gives the Local Authority permissive powers but the Council's declared policy is to give advice to and to encourage landowners to resolve any difficulty experienced themselves.
During a flood event arising from a watercourse the Council is the emergency body to aid householders. During office hours you should contact Trafford Direct on 0161 912 2000 and during out of office hours contact 0161 912 2020.
The Environment Agency has similar powers to the local authority with regard to Main Rivers. Further information concerning Watercourses can be obtained by logging onto the Environment Agency website or by telephoning them on 08708 506 506.
This page was last updated on 20 August 2008
