Managing flood risk
Who is responsible for managing local flood risk?
Roles and Responsibilities
Hillingdon's flood risk is complex, and who is responsible for managing the different causes of flooding is also complicated. To help, we have teamed up with Hillingdon Council to create this breakdown of responsibilities. Please note, by responsible we refer to managing the flood risk and not responding to incidents, this falls to the emergency services.
| Authority | Responsibility |
| The Environment Agency | Manages flood risk from Statutory Main Rivers, like the River Colne and the River Crane. If you notice a blockage or tree in a main river which is posing a risk of flooding, call the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 807060. |
| Hillingdon Council | Manages flood risk from Ordinary Watercourses, see the Flood Hub(External link) (link opens a new window) for more information on Ordinary Watercourses and Statutory Main Rivers. Responsible for responding to surface water (flash flooding) and for highway drainage on public roads not managed by National Highways or Transport for London. Click here for further information regarding surface water management in Hillingdon: Flooding – Hillingdon Council (link opens a new window) |
| Thames Water | Responsible for public sewers, as well as water provision in some of the borough. If you think there is a blockage in a public sewer, please report it to Thames Water: Blockages and blocked drains | Emergencies | Help | Thames Water. (link opens a new window). If your property has been flooded by a public sewer, please report it to Thames Water: Flooding and pollution | Emergencies | Help | Thames Water (link opens a new window). Alternatively, you can call Thames Water on 0800 3169800. Please also complete Thames Water's sewer flooding questionnaire (link opens a new window) and post it back to them as this is the only way they prioritise any longer-term work which may be required. |
| Affinity Water | Responsible for water provision in some of the borough. If you think an Affinity Water pipe is leaking, please report it to: Contact Report a leak (link opens a new window). If you are unsure which water company is relevant, the Water UK website (link opens a new window) can be used to find the water supplier at specific locations. |
| National Highways | Responsible for drainage on the M4 and M40. Drainage issues can be reported at National Highways Report a problem (link opens a new window). |
| Transport for London | Responsible for the A4, A30, A40, A312, A437, and West End Road (A4180). Drainage issues on these routes can be reported at Contact us about streets and road issues - Transport for London (link opens a new window). |