New strategy published to address surface water flooding in London

London Councils has reported that the capital’s first dedicated surface water strategy has been launched to reduce the risk of urban flooding and improve citywide climate resilience.

The London Surface Water Strategy, developed by the Flood Ready London partnership, brings together organisations including the Environment Agency, London Councils, London Fire Brigade, the Mayor of London, Thames Water, and Transport for London.

The strategy was developed in response to the flooding caused by heavy downpours in July 2021, which affected at least 2,000 properties.

According to London Councils, such incidents are expected to become more frequent and intense due to climate change and the city’s urban infrastructure.

The partnership aims to develop practical and cost-effective measures to manage flood risk and reduce disruption to Londoners and essential services.

Catchment partnerships trialled to support citywide coordination

Ten Surface Water Catchment Partnerships will be piloted across Greater London over the next two years.

The first two, located in Central London and the Lee Valley, will coordinate local efforts to reduce flood risk through projects such as installing rain gardens and incorporating surface water overflows into new developments.

Each partnership will be eligible to apply for funding to implement localised water management measures.

Flood Ready London is supported by the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and has secured £1.5 million for Sustainable Drainage Systems projects.

Funding contributions of £500,000 each have been provided by the Mayor of London, Transport for London, and Thames Water.

The group continues to pursue further funding to support delivery of its strategy.

Key organisations call for long-term planning

Charlie Wood, Environment Agency Director for London, said: “We are proud to be part of leading such a groundbreaking approach to reducing the impacts of urban surface water flooding in a major worldwide city like London. 

“This partnership is the perfect example of how the Environment Agency provides strategic overview for all forms of flooding nationwide.”

“Working with the mayor, boroughs and partners across London, we have produced a truly evidence-led, catchment-based approach to a complex issue.”

“We must now focus our collaborative efforts on where we can all make most impact.”

Cllr Kieron Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Transport and Environment, said: “Boroughs play a vital role in protecting our city from the very real threat of flooding.

“We know the devastating, long-lasting impact it can have on people’s homes, businesses and livelihoods, disproportionately affecting our most vulnerable communities.”

“We saw this first hand in July 2021 when two devastating storms flooded at least 2,000 properties across the capital. We are committed to ensuring Londoners are protected from the risk of flooding and the huge damage and disruption it can bring.”

“Through Flood Ready London, we will work with partners to take a coordinated and collaborative approach to surface water management that helps protect our city and better prepare our communities for when flooding does occur.

“This will build on the extensive work boroughs already do to prevent flooding across the capital – from installing rain gardens and other sustainable drainage solutions, to working with local communities to raise awareness of flood risk.”

Climate change prompts emergency preparedness focus

Pat Goulbourne, Assistant Commissioner at London Fire Brigade, said: “Climate change is evolving the challenges fire and rescue services face, and it is important to have the plans in place to ensure that London is more resilient to the extreme weather we are experiencing on an increasingly regular basis.

“Heavy rain and urban flooding can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure. Being prepared will help minimise this threat and is vital to the wellbeing of this city and all Londoners.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The climate emergency remains one of the biggest threats we face. In the past we’ve seen how devastating flash flooding can be to Londoners, and extreme weather events are unfortunately becoming more common in our city.

“I’m determined to do all I can to make London more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

“The London Surface Water Strategy is a new pan-London approach which will see us work closely with environmental organisations to better adapt, prepare for and reduce the impact of surface water flooding.

“Together, we will work to future-proof the capital against climate change and build a better, greener London for everyone.”

Infrastructure, planning and education all part of solution

Alex Nickson, Head of Partnerships and Catchment Management at Thames Water, said: “This strategy is a groundbreaking approach to dealing with the very real challenge of flooding in London. We have seen the devastating impact it can have on homes and businesses so are delighted to be a part of this cross-agency approach to dealing with the problem.”

“We are seeing increasingly heavy rainfall events which overwhelm the capital’s drainage system. This strategy outlines how we can all work together to safely manage water at a surface level to protect people, property and livelihoods.”

“As well as flood protection, this strategy will also help to make London a far greener city for everyone.”

Lilli Matson, Chief Safety, Health & Environment Officer at Transport for London, said: “Transport for London is committed to providing a climate-resilient transport network that is safe, reliable, inclusive and sustainable for our customers and colleagues.

“Any response to the future threat of flooding has to involve a wide range of agencies working in concert.

“We are proud to be a founding partner in the development of this first Surface Water Strategy for London.

“We will continue to work together with other stakeholders to share knowledge, engage with wider audiences and ensure standards pro-actively improve the capital’s resilience to climate change.

“This strategy proposes practical solutions to the problems we are facing now and takes a long-term view on how we deal with existential challenges decades down the line.”

Industry guidance also published alongside strategy

To support implementation of the strategy, webinars are being organised to address general and technical audiences.

Stakeholders can register interest by emailing [email protected].

Alongside the strategy, the Greater London Authority has also published ‘Reimagining Rainwater in Highways’.

The document aims to help planning and infrastructure professionals understand how Sustainable Drainage Systems can reshape the design of highways and other public areas.

SuDS schemes are credited with benefits that include improving biodiversity, enhancing public spaces, and increasing long-term resilience.

The guidance encourages collaborative planning between local authorities and infrastructure bodies to design projects that deliver multiple benefits and safer public spaces.

London launches surface water strategy to tackle urban flooding: Summary

London has published its first strategy focused on managing surface water flooding.

The strategy was developed by Flood Ready London, which includes the Environment Agency, Mayor of London, and other partners.

It responds to flooding in 2021 that affected over 2,000 properties.

The plan introduces ten Surface Water Catchment Partnerships to implement local water management projects.

An initial £1.5 million in funding for drainage systems has been allocated.

Key agencies called for coordinated action to address the growing threat of extreme weather.

Quotes from senior figures stress the importance of collaboration and long-term planning.

Webinars and additional guidance have been launched to support strategy implementation.

The strategy also promotes SuDS as a way to increase climate resilience.

A new planning document highlights how highways can incorporate drainage to reduce flood risk.