Council warns people to prepare for groundwater flooding

Local inhabitants have been called to check their flood risk pattern using the government website.

Groundwater floods are expected in areas not presently covered by Environment Agency’s groundwater flood alerts but have a history of experiencing such occurrences.

Groundwater flooding is currently pervasive in areas throughout the Berkshire Downs, with cases beginning to emerge in Buckinghamshire.

Groundwater levels in the Wycombe area remain high but monitored.

To aid residents, Buckinghamshire Council have created detailed groundwater flood maps.

These outline anticipated locations for groundwater flooding, the point it is most likely to surface and what areas it might affect.

Chesham, Marlow, Hambleden, Wycombe and West Wycombe have these aids readily available.

Groundwater can seep into the sewage system, prompting difficulties flushing toilets or even the emergence of sewage.

Groundwater flooding denotes a situation where accumulated water beneath the ground raises the water table, which eventually surfaces.

While flood events can occur some days or weeks after heavy rainfall, they could persist for a long time, even weeks.

Groundwater flooding stands as a less common cause of flooding and comes with unique characteristics. This often leaves individuals unprepared.

Residents and businesses have been advised to anticipate continuous high groundwater levels, and prepare for protecting their property until the water table naturally subsides.

Addressing the flooding situation in a statement, Jilly Jordan, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, emphasised the need for preparedness.

She said: "Groundwater flooding can have devastating impacts on those affected.

"One of the best ways to reduce that impact is to be prepared...We are working to change that with Project Groundwater, and we will continue to share our learning to benefit all who experience groundwater flooding."