Flooding affects many households and businesses in Essex and can cause serious damage to property and, in exceptional circumstances, endanger human life. The risk of flooding in the county is likely to increase in the future due to changes in the climate and increased development producing more paved surfaces. 

 

Essex County Council became a lead local flood authority following legislation introduced after nationwide flooding in 2007. Not all of the flooding during this time was caused by river flooding, and it was apparent that more needed to be done to address flooding from other sources, especially surface runoff from rainfall.

 

As a lead local flood authority, we have a number of responsibilities. Most importantly, we are responsible for dealing with flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. The Environment Agency is responsible for dealing with coastal flooding and flooding from main rivers. 

We are also working with Basildon Borough Council, Castle Point Borough Council and Rochford District Council on a Surface Water Management Plan for South Essex.

 

There are drop-in sessions for those wanting to find out more from 11 April to 17 April from 5pm-8pm in Benfleet, Basildon, Billericay, Rayleigh and Wickford.  

Following flooding in Maldon, we have produced flood investigation reports for: 

Under the Flood Risk Regulations 2009, we have published a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment for the county. 

From 6 April 2012, Essex County Council, as the Lead Local Flood Authority, will be responsible for the regulation of ordinary watercourses to ensure that flood risk is managed appropriately. 

Anglian Water covers most of the county, although Epping Forest, Harlow and some of Uttlesford is managed by Thames Water. 

This type of flooding should be reported to the Environment Agency Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60. To listen to recorded flood warning information for your area or speak to someone for advice 24-hours a day, contact the agency’s Floodline service on 0845 988 1188.

  

Flooding caused by overflowing drains or gullies within the highway network managed by Essex County Council should be reported to your local area highways office on 0845 603 7631.

 

Most local councils employ a land drainage officer or engineer to deal with local land drainage issues. If you have experienced flooding as a result of heavy rainfall or overflowing watercourse (including open ditches, culverts and drains), then contact your local council.