Flooding and land drainage

The Environment Agency is responsible for issuing flood warnings throughout England and Wales.

There are four types of flood warning codes, which will be triggered by a particular set of weather, water and/or sea conditions. The codes are:

• Flood watch - Flooding is possible in the area. Be aware, be prepared, watch out!
• Flood warning - Flooding of homes, businesses and main roads is expected. Act now!
• Severe flood warning - Severe flooding is expected. Imminent danger to life and property. Act now!
• All clear - There are no Flood Watches or Flood Warnings currently in force in the area.

These warnings will be issued through local and national radio, TV and teletext, as well as direct to the public, local councils and the emergency services. In some areas warnings will be given by siren, loudhailer, telephone, flood wardens or people knocking on doors.

The Council will help where it can, but in emergencies our first priority is to council property. Consequently, in the event of major flooding the Council is unlikely to be able to respond to requests for assistance, particularly in respect of the supply of sand bags.

If you do live in an area liable to flooding it might be a good idea to keep a stock of unfilled sandbags and a supply of sand in case of emergency. You can get these from your local builders merchants. More importantly if you own your property make sure you are insured against flooding.

A copy of the Council's approach to Flood Defence is available by clicking on the link below:

Policy Statement on Flood Defence

Useful contact numbers

• Floodline 0845 988 1188 service. Teletext page 154. Environment Agency. The phone lines are staffed from 8am to 8pm weekdays and 10am to 4pm weekends and there is a 24-hour recorded information service. In addition fact sheets about flooding are available.
• Tandridge District Council out of hours - 01883 722000.
• Surrey County Council Highways - 03456 009 009.
• The National Flood Forum 01299 403055 or visit www.floodforum.org.uk. This charity provides support and advice to communities and individuals that have been flooded or are at risk of flooding.

A leaflet giving information and advice about how to cope with flooding is also available by calling the above number or clicking on the link below.

• Be prepared for flooding - information

Click on the following links for frequently asked questions about:

• Ditches and watercourses
• Drains and sewers
• Flooding and severe weather

For further information please contact Customer Services on 01883 722000 or e-mail customerservices@tandridge.gov.uk

Or write to us at:
Tandridge District Council
8 Station Road East
Oxted RH8 0BT

Maps and directions to our offices.

Or get directions by public transport and car with Transport Direct (This link will open in a new window): 

If you have any comments about our services, please fill in our Contact us form.

Please complete our web survey (This link will open in a new window) to let us know what you think of our website.

Return to top