Blocked Drains Harrogate

In North Yorkshire, surface water drainage is a critical concern, particularly during heavy rainfall events that can lead to flooding. As a property owner in Harrogate or the surrounding areas, it's essential to understand who is responsible for surface water drainage and what measures can be taken to mitigate the risk of flooding.

Flooding can be a significant problem in North Yorkshire, with heavy rainfall events causing surface water to accumulate and overflow onto properties and public spaces. The risk of flooding is increased in areas with impermeable surfaces, such as roads, driveways, and buildings, which can prevent water from draining into the ground.

In North Yorkshire, the responsibility for surface water drainage is shared among several parties, including:

1. Property Owners: Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their properties are designed and constructed to manage surface water effectively. This includes installing adequate drainage systems, such as gutters and downpipes, and maintaining them regularly.
2. Local Authorities: Local authorities, such as North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council, are responsible for managing surface water drainage in public spaces, including roads and highways. They are also responsible for providing guidance and support to property owners on surface water drainage management.
3. Private Landowners: Private landowners, including farmers and land managers, are responsible for managing surface water drainage on their land. This includes installing and maintaining drainage systems, such as ditches and culverts, and ensuring that they do not cause flooding to neighboring properties.

In some cases, property developers may be required to enter into Section 106 agreements with local authorities, which outline the responsibilities for surface water drainage management on new developments. These agreements can include requirements for the installation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and the maintenance of drainage infrastructure.

If you are experiencing problems with surface water drainage on your property, it's essential to investigate the cause of the issue and seek guidance from local authorities or drainage experts. Future Drainage and Groundworks, a drainage company based in Harrogate, offers a range of services, including drain cleaning, CCTV surveys, and drainage repairs, to help property owners manage surface water drainage effectively.

The North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council have published several reports and guidance documents on surface water drainage management, including:

• Surface Water Management Plan: This plan outlines the council's approach to managing surface water drainage in North Yorkshire.
• Flood Risk Management Plan: This plan outlines the council's approach to managing flood risk in North Yorkshire.
• Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Guidance: This guidance document provides information on the design and installation of SuDS, which can help to reduce the risk of flooding.

The public sewer network in North Yorkshire is managed by Yorkshire Water, which is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the sewer infrastructure. However, property owners are responsible for ensuring that their properties are connected to the public sewer network and that they do not cause blockages or flooding to the network.

In conclusion, the responsibility for surface water drainage in North Yorkshire is shared among property owners, local authorities, and private landowners. By understanding the risk of flooding and taking steps to manage surface water drainage effectively, property owners can reduce the risk of flooding and protect their properties. If you are experiencing problems with surface water drainage, contact Future Drainage and Groundworks on 01423 443262 for expert advice and guidance.

• North Yorkshire County Council Surface Water Management Plan (PDF, 2MB)
• Harrogate Borough Council Flood Risk Management Plan (PDF, 1.5MB)
• Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Guidance (PDF, 1MB)