Dorset communities urged to prepare for groundwater flooding

Residents and businesses across Dorset are being urged to be prepared as groundwater levels in the county reach unprecedented levels.

Dorset Council and the Environment Agency are raising awareness as groundwater levels in some parts of the county reach historic highs.

And with more rain on the way with yellow weather and amber groundwater warnings in place, residents and businesses are advised to check now if they are in an affected area.

In some parts of Dorset, water levels are so high they have peaked above the measurement scale of gauge boards, with many households experiencing groundwater flooding for the first time. 

There are currently 18,000 properties at risk of groundwater flooding in the Environment Agency’s Bristol, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire operational area.

But the number of people registered to receive flood warnings is low - of the 14,000 properties at risk only 4,000 have signed up to receive warnings. That’s about 1 in 3 properties. 

Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for Place services, Cllr Jon Andrews, said: “Flooding caused by groundwater levels is very difficult to deal with and being prepared is key.

"Due to the nature of this type of flooding, measures like sandbagging will not work, and people need to act now to protect themselves and their properties.

“Although we are not expecting the heavy rains of Storm Chandra, more rain on very saturated land is very likely to cause further flooding in the county. We’re urging people to check now if they are at risk.

“We’re also asking everyone to be extra vigilant – keep up to date with flood warnings, do not drive through flooded roads, do no ignore road closed signs and look out for vulnerable neighbours.”

The Environment Agency currently has 32 of its 35 groundwater flood warnings active and a warning is often the first sign that flooding is imminent. 

Preparing for groundwater flood warning requires a lead-in time to protect property, which may include having a well-maintained pump to keep water levels in homes and businesses low.  

Jim Flory, area environment manager of the Environment Agency, said: “Flooding is associated with rapid rise in water levels due to heavy rainfall. But groundwater flooding can creep up on you, catching you unawares due to its peculiar nature to rise through the ground often days after the last rainfall. 

“We have not seen so much groundwater in Dorset and Wiltshire since 2013/14 and it will hang around a lot longer than typical floodwater as it will constantly rise when pumped away. Prevention is the best method when dealing with groundwater flooding and we have information online on how to do that.” 

With ground water flooding comes an increased risk of sewage being moved overground, as drainage systems carrying floodwater are often interconnected

Wessex Water is working closely with the council on reported issues of sewage flooding in the county.

Anyone who suspects flood water has sewage in can get more advice on how to report this plus safety advice by going here.

Since Storm Chandra first hit, Dorset Council staff have worked day and night, dealing with an unprecedented number of incidents, including two evacuations.

And staff continue to support affected communities, while being on standby to help those impacted by further flooding.

A big problem facing flooded communities is drivers ignoring road closed signs, removing closed signs and driving too quickly through flooded waters – creating waves that are hitting properties and putting them at further risks.

Cllr Andrews added: “The community response has overall been fantastic, with everyone pulling together.

“Unfortunately, there are a minority of drivers ignoring road closed signs, and in some instances, removing the signs.

“Closed road signs are there for a reason, please do not ignore them, they are there to protect you and others.”

Residents and businesses can find out how to sign up for flood warnings, receive flooding advice and report flooding here.

People can also find out about main road closures here and any school closures here.

Due to the bad weather, the council is seeing an increase in reported cases of problems on the roads – including potholes.

The council’s highways team is working to get these resolved as quickly as possible.

Anyone who sees an issue with Dorset’s roads can report them here.