As predicted, groundwater levels are now rising steadily, and so, of course, is the river. At the recent WBC Scrutiny Commission meeting, and at this week’s Lambourn Valley Flood Forum, we were up-dated with the latest thinking on flood risk for this winter. (For the draft minutes of the Scrutiny Commission meeting, see the link at the end of this update).
The key point to note is the confirmation that we can expect very high groundwater levels in the coming months. The relevant agencies are predicting that levels could reach those last seen in 2014, and for those who were around here then, you will remember that that was a very testing time. WBC held a press briefing last week to warn people that there will be a risk of flooding, and to make appropriate preparations. They have re-iterated that residential flood precautions are the responsibility of the home owner, although, of course, WBC, the Environment Agency and Thames Water all have their own responsibilities.
A very helpful guide issued by WBC can be found here.
With the River Lambourn running through our village, there are specific responsibilities to be aware of. The Environment Agency have certain duties to maintain the river to minimise flood risk, but the prime responsibility lies with riparian owners (i.e. property owners whose land borders the river). The above guide outlines this, but the whole subject of the responsibilities of riparian owners involving a highly protected (SSSI & SAC) water course is a bit of a minefield, and one that I will be trying to throw some light on in the coming weeks.
With high groundwater comes the risk of sewer flooding. Thames Water have assured us that they have completed all of the planned relining and manhole sealing work that they discussed with us earlier this year, but that work is going to be severely tested in the next few months. Already the groundwater level is exceeding TW’s amber risk threshold but with no evidence of flooding yet. Fortunately, October rainfall wasn’t excessive.
TW will continue to monitor the sewers to look for any infiltration as pipes and drains get covered with groundwater. This is the time when TW can spot “misconnections” i.e. leaks in private drains to sewers, or sometimes situations where groundwater has been diverted into the sewer network. This, of course, is not permitted.
The installation of the ATAC filter unit that was planned for December is being brought forward and will be erected adjacent to the pumping station in the next couple of weeks. With luck, it won’t have to be used, but it will be ready if needed. Hopefully tankers won’t have to be used as well, but we will see.
Here is the link to the draft minutes of the Scrutiny Commission meeting. You can even watch the video! But a word of warning, the meeting went on for 3 ½ hours!
All (or at least some) eyes will be glued to the gauges in the coming weeks, and I will keep posting up-dates as and when.
Any questions or points to make, please let me know.
For an update on the sewage system, see here.