Sewer flooding in the Counters Creek area in west London has affected many of our customers, particularly during the July 2007 storms when our sewer network was severely tested.

Since then, we have undertaken a significant amount of work to understand the cause of the flooding.

This has involved computer modelling and the installation of equipment to improve our knowledge of how local sewer networks respond to various rainfall patterns.

We have also carried out an extensive survey an extensive survey of around 2,000 properties with basements in the area.

Our proposed solution

We are progressing two programmes of work to run in parallel over the next two years to minimize the risk of flooding to customers in the Counters Creek area.

Short-term programme

Our short-term programme involves installing anti-flood devices at properties with basements at the highest risk of sewer flooding.

At the beginning of May 2010, we began a process of inviting customers to have a device installed free of charge and we plan to protect approximately 600 properties by the end of 2012.

• Counters Creek: Our plans to protect your property (0.02Mb)
• Counters Creek: FLIP device install programme (0.01Mb)

Find out more about installing a FLIP device

• A step by step guide to installing a FLIP device

Long-term programme

To minimize the risk of sewer flooding in the long-term, we need to reduce the amount of rainwater that gets into the sewer network when it rains heavily, as well as providing some additional capacity and new sewers. We are working closely with local authorities to determine how rainwater can be managed sustainably.

We plan to submit an updated case to Ofwat early in 2012 and, pending approval from Ofwat and the necessary funding, the remaining design work is programmed to allow construction to start in 2014.

Sewer flooding questionnaire

If you live in the Counters Creek area and have experienced sewer flooding but have not informed us, please download and complete the sewer flooding questionnaire and return to us at the address stated on the form.

• Sewer flooding questionnaire (0.12Mb)

Consulting with Ofwat

We have an ongoing programme of engagement with our economic regulator, Ofwat, and we expect them to challenge progress on our short-term programme of installing anti-flood devices and our proposals for a long-term, sustainable solution to minimize sewer flooding in the Counters Creek area.

Public meetings

We aim to keep residents and local councillors up to date on the Counters Creek scheme and will be holding public meetings at both Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea locations.

Future meetings

London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Date: Monday 14 November at 7pm
Location: The Small Hall, Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Date: Thursday 17 November at 7.30pm
Location: The Small Hall, Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX

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