Surface water flooding

Surface water is rainwater which is on the surface of the ground and has not entered a watercourse, drainage system or sewer. Surface water flooding occurs where high rainfall exceeds the drainage capacity in an area. Surface water cannot then enter the system or infiltrate into the ground and the drainage network overflows, with manholes surcharging.

One of the most obvious and immediate forms of surface water runoff is on the highway. In the case of Birmingham City Council, maintenance of highway drainage is undertaken by Kier Highways, the council’s Maintenance and Management Partner.

Report flooding and drainage problems on roads and pavements to us