The following organisations are responsible for water management and drainage issues within Woking Borough.
Main rivers
Main rivers are the responsibility of the Environment Agency. Woking Borough is home to the following main rivers:
- Hoe Stream
- River Bourne (and its tributaries at Parley Brook and Knaphill Brook)
- River Wey
Woking Borough Council land
We are responsible for drainage issues on our land including recreation grounds, parks and car parks. Our contracted maintenance companies look after ditch maintenance on our behalf.
Roads, pavements and footpaths
Surrey Highways (part of Surrey County Council) is responsible for drainage issues affecting public roads, pavements and footpaths, such as blocked and broken gullies and drains, and surface water flooding (for example, resulting from heavy rainfall).
Public drains and sewers
Thames Water is responsible for drainage issues relating to broken or missing manholes, and public drains and sewers. This includes both foul water (sewage) and surface water (for example, resulting from heavy rainfall).
Private drains, watercourses and sewers
The private landowner is responsible for drainage issues relating to private drains, watercourses and sewers.
Private landowners with an open flowing watercourse located next to (boundary) or running through their land are legally called ‘riparian owners’.