Reporting drainage problems
The information below gives guidance on how to report drainage problems occurring in ditches and watercourses, highways, ground/surface water and in sewers.
Ditches and watercourses
Main Rivers
Main Rivers are the watercourses shown on the Environment Agency Main River Map. Responsibility lies with the riparian owner; however, the Environment Agency has permissive powers to undertake maintenance of Main Rivers.
You can report a blockage in a river in England using the River Blockage Reporting Service on GOV.UK, or by phoning 0800 807060.
Ordinary Watercourses
Ordinary Watercourses include all ditches and watercourses not designated as Main Rivers by the Environment Agency. Responsibility lies with the riparian owner. Enforcement is undertaken by West Sussex County Council, the Lead Local Flood Authority, unless located within the Internal Drainage District detailed below.
Report drainage problems requiring enforcement to West Sussex County Council, or email frm@westsussex.gov.uk.
Internal drainage district
The River Arun internal drainage district is an area with a special drainage need. All ordinary ditches and watercourses within it are currently managed by the Environment Agency. Further information is available on the Internal Drainage Districts guidance on GOV.UK.
Issues can be reported using the Environment Agency environmental incident reporting service, or by emailing ics@environment-agency.gov.uk, or by phoning 0800 807060.
Road drainage
Trunk roads
Drainage issues on trunk roads (roads under central government control), such as the A27, should be reported via the National Highways Help Centre.
Other public roads
Drainage issues on all other public roads in the district should be reported to the West Sussex County Council Highways Department.
Groundwater and surface water
Report groundwater or surface water flooding to West Sussex County Council or email frm@westsussex.gov.uk.
Sewers
Public
Public sewers are the responsibility of Southern Water Services Limited. Guidance on emergencies, including sewer flooding, is available on Southern Water's emergency advice page.
Private
Cesspits, septic tanks and non-public sewers, drains or treatment plants are the responsibility of the property owner.
An illustration of public and private sewer and drain responsibilities is available on the Ofwat responsibilities guide.