Who else is responsible for flooding in Kent?

The following organisations are responsible for managing different types of flood risk in Kent. Landowners, householders and businesses also have a responsibility for managing flood risk which is explained on the 'Your responsibilities' page.

Sewerage undertakers & Water supply companies

Flooding caused from public sewers and fresh water pipes is the responsibility of the relevant sewerage undertaker or water supply company. Flooding from public sewers or fresh water pipes should be reported to the appropriate water company:

• Southern Water
• Thames Water
• Affinity Water (formerly Veolia Water) 
• South East Water
  

Environment Agency

The Environment Agency manages flood risk from the sea and main rivers (main rivers are identified on the Environment Agency Flood Map). They also provide flood alerts and advice on preparing for a flood. Flooding from the sea or a main river should be reported to the Environment Agency. Read their flood risk management plans below:

• Shoreline Management Plans
• Catchment Flood Management Plans

District and borough councils

District and borough councils have powers for managing flood risk from ordinary watercourses; except for those within areas managed by the internal drainage boards. To report flooding from ordinary watercourses, or problems with maintenance, please contact your local council.

Internal drainage boards

Internal drainage boards are local public bodies established in areas of special drainage need. They have powers to manage flood risk and maintain water levels on behalf of their community. Internal drainage boards manage all watercourses within their administrative boundary except for main rivers which are managed by the Environment Agency.
There are four internal drainage boards in Kent:

• River Stour
• Romney Marshes Area
• Upper Medway
• Lower Medway

Kent Resilience Forum

The Kent Resilience Forum is one of a number of Local Resilience Forums across England set up to align with the local police area. The Local Resilience Forum is not a legal organisation as such, but a partnership made up of a number of organisations and agencies.

The overall aim of the Kent Resilience Forum is to ensure that agencies and organisations plan and work together, to ensure a co-ordinated response to emergencies, including floods, that could have a significant impact on communities in Kent.