Report flooding
Flooding
If you are experiencing flooding and you are concerned for your or other's safety, dial 999 for fire or ambulance
We understand that there are a wide variety of organisations involved in managing flood risk and drains and knowing who to contact can be difficult. This page aims to help you find the best place to report different types of flooding.
Flooding can hide dangers such as uneven ground or open manholes. It can also be polluted and dangerous to your health and the environment. Never enter flood water to try to find where it’s coming from.
Flooding on an Adopted Road or Pavement
Flooding on adopted roads, verges, pavements and footpaths should be reported to East Sussex Highways.
Online: live.eastsussexhighways.com
By phone: 0345 608 0193 (24 hours a day)
Flooding caused by a blockage in a river, stream or ditch
Flooding caused by a blockage in a river, stream or ditch should be reported to either the Environment Agency (for Main Rivers) or the East Sussex Flood Risk Management Team who will then investigate the cause and identify who is responsible for maintaining the channel.
Main rivers can be identified using the Environment Agency’s Main River Map.
Please provide as much information as possible when reporting blockages including:
• Location (nearest postal address and/or a what3words location (Found online at https://what3words.com).
• When you first noticed the blockage.
• The extent and what is being flooded.
• Where possible, photos showing the blockage and the wider area.
Environment Agency
Online: Report a blockage in a river in England - GOV.UK
By phone: 0800 80 70 60 (24 hours a day)
East Sussex Flood Risk Management Team
Email: FRM@eastssussex.gov.uk
By phone: 01273 481 421 (Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm)
Flooding from an adopted sewer or burst water main
In East Sussex drinking water and sewers are managed by two different companies, South East Water and Southern Water.
You can find which company serves an area using the postcode on Find Your Supplier | Water UK. Please be aware this service is provided by an external provider.
When reporting flooding you may be asked if the water is from a foul sewer. These are the pipes that take wastewater away and can be harmful to people’s health and the environment. You can often tell foul water as it contains bits of paper and have a bad smell, it can also be grey and smell of laundry. Never enter flood water to try to find where it’s coming from.
South East Water
Online: Report A Leak | South East Water
By phone: 0333 000 0365 (24 hours a day)
Southern Water
Online: Reporting a water leak in a public place | Southern Water
By phone: 0330 303 0368 (24 hours a day
Flooding from private drains
Flooding on drains within private property, including in gardens or driveways are often the responsibility of the homeowner.
Drains on many modern housing estates are also private and the responsibility of maintenance companies.
