Surface water flooding happens when the ground, rivers and drains can't absorb heavy rainfall. This includes:
- runoff of rainwater from impermeable surfaces. This includes from roofs, roads, driveways, patios and car parks.
- groundwater in areas where water has percolated into the soil on high ground and then emerges in lower areas
- flooding from small streams, drainage ditches, drains or sewers
Councils are responsible for looking at the causes of surface water flooding and ways to minimise and manage the impact. They do this through a Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP). The requirements for SWMPs are set out in the Floods and Water Management Act 2010.
In Barnsley, there are no areas that match the criteria in the Act. Some areas are affected by surface water flooding. These areas are shown in the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment - appendix 2 annex 1. We've put flood risk measures in place to manage the effects in these areas.
When we come across a new water problem we find ways to manage and reduce the impact of flooding.
Check the flood warning information service for more details.