We have a duty to investigate flooding. Usually when it's deemed necessary and appropriate under section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

When we investigate a flood

We make a decision about whether a flood risk investigation is necessary based on the following criteria:

  • if there is internal flooding of one property on more than one occasion
  • if there is internal flooding of five or more properties during a single flood incident
  • if critical infrastructure has been affected by flooding

If the source of the flooding is ambiguous, we can investigate at our own discretion.

Investigations identify:

  • which Risk Management Authorities have a flood risk management function
  • what each authority with a relevant function is going to or has done in response to the flood

Planning applications

All major planning applications should be supported by a completed Drainage Assessment Form (DAF). This needs to meet our minimum performance standards for sustainable drainage (SUDS).

Published flood investigations

Flood investigation reports are published below.

Worcester Park Section 19

Download the Section 19 Worcester Park report (PDF).

The flooding that occurred in the Worcester Park area in the summer of 2021 has been investigated. The reports addressed the flooding which occurred on the following dates:

  • 12 July 2021
  • 25 July 2021
  • 7 August 2021
  • 20 October 2021

The report investigates:

  • the areas affected
  • the source and cause of the flooding, and
  • the actions taken by the Council and other Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) before, during, and after each event

We've only included reports received by:

  • the Sutton Flood Risk officer
  • the Sutton flooding inbox
  • the online flood reporting form

We've also included reports from other means, where enough detail has been provided. This includes reports from social media or Councillors.

We're aware there were more flooding incidents in this area, but due to a lack of information, they were not included in the report.

You can report a flooding incident from any of the dates in question by completing the online Section 19 Questionnaire.

Other Section 19 reports