Flooding risks

Flooding can happen at any time of year and may be caused by heavy rainfall, rivers overflowing, groundwater or drainage systems becoming overwhelmed.

In Croydon, the most common source of flooding is surface water flooding caused by intense rainfall. Some areas may also be affected by river or groundwater flooding.

Types of flooding in Croydon

Surface water flooding

Surface water flooding happens when heavy rainfall overwhelms drains and sewers, causing water to collect on roads, pavements and other low-lying areas.

River flooding

Properties near the River Wandle and other watercourses may be affected when river levels rise following prolonged rainfall.

Groundwater flooding

Groundwater flooding can occur after long periods of rainfall when underground water levels rise and reach the surface.

Prepare for flooding

You can take steps to reduce the impact of flooding on your home and family.

What to do during a flood

Your safety should always be your priority.

  • do not walk, swim or drive through floodwater
  • follow advice from the emergency services
  • move valuable items, medicines and important documents to higher levels if safe to do so
  • turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if flooding threatens your property and it is safe to do so

Never touch electrical equipment if you are standing in water.

Report flooding and get help

Immediate danger to life

Call 999 if flooding presents an immediate danger to life or if people are trapped by rising water.

Environment Agency

The Environment Agency manages flood risks from main rivers and operates the national flood warning service.

Floodline: 0345 988 1188

Incident hotline: 0800 80 70 60

Sign up for flood warnings

Thames Water

Contact Thames Water if a public sewer is overflowing or a water main has burst.

Telephone: 0800 316 9800

Croydon Council

Croydon Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority and investigates local flooding issues.

Contact the council to report:

  • blocked road gullies
  • surface water flooding on highways
  • flooding from smaller watercourses or groundwater

Telephone: 020 8726 6000

Out-of-hours emergencies can also be reported using the same number.

Property owners and watercourses

If your property borders a river, stream, ditch or other watercourse, you may be a riparian owner.

Riparian owners are responsible for maintaining their section of the watercourse and allowing water to flow freely.

Flood management advice

For advice about flood resilience measures, flood investigations or sustainable drainage systems, contact the council's flood and water management team.

Email: floodandwater@croydon.gov.uk

Useful contacts

Emergency services
999

Croydon Council
020 8726 6000

Environment Agency Floodline
0345 988 1188

Environment Agency incident hotline
0800 80 70 60

Thames Water
0800 316 9800

London Fire Brigade
999