All about flooding in Slough
Today's flood risk
You can check for the risk of flood in Slough today, and over the next few days – and sign up for warnings to your email or mobile.
How rainfall affects us
From time to time, especially after heavy or prolonged rainfall, water can build up in different parts of Slough. This is a natural part of how our landscape responds to weather — but it can sometimes lead to flooding if systems become overwhelmed.
Flooding here doesn’t happen in just one way. Rainfall, drains, rivers and even water beneath the ground can all play a part, sometimes at the same time.
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River flooding (fluvial): when streams or rivers can’t cope with the water flowing into them.
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Surface water flooding: when rainfall falls faster than the ground or drainage can absorb it.
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Sewer flooding: when the sewer network is overloaded or blocked.
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Groundwater flooding: when water levels below the ground rise up to the surface.
Less than 40% of people at risk of flooding realise they could be affected.
As our climate changes, these risks are increasing. Project Sponge is working with residents to better understand local flooding, share practical knowledge, and find ways to work with nature to reduce impacts on our neighbourhoods.
You can check your long term flood risk using the Environment Agency flood map.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can use the UK Government’s flood map to check your risk from rivers, the sea, groundwater and rainfall levels:
➡️ Check long‑term flood risk (GOV.UK) and Check current flood risk and warnings (GOV.UK).
You can also sign up to receive flood alerts (flood alerts, warnings and severe warnings) by phone, text or email through the Environment Agency’s Floodline service (see Q5).
If you’re still unsure, contact the Slough Borough Council flood team for guidance on all-sources risk including surface water.
There are four common types of flooding that may affect Slough: river, surface water (heavy rain overwhelming drains), groundwater (water table rising after wet spells), and sewer flooding (drains backing up).
Different organisations manage different causes; when in doubt, start with the authority responsible for that source.
These are listed at the top of this page.
Road flooding usually happens because local drainage (gullies) gets blocked or overwhelmed by heavy rain. Blockages from leaves and debris can stop water draining away.
If a public road or roadside drain is blocked or overflowing after rain, report it directly to Slough Borough Council’s Highways team — they can inspect and clear it. You can find the form at the top of this page.
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Road gullies and surface water drains → Slough Borough Council Highways.
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Public sewers → Thames Water (call 0800 316 9800 or use their website).
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Private drains (inside your boundary) → property owner responsibility.
If you’re unsure which it is, reporting the issue to the council is a useful first step – they can advise or forward it to the right organisation.
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Immediate danger to life → Call 999 immediately.
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Flooding from rivers or reservoirs → Floodline (24-hour advisory & warnings): call 0345 988 1188 or see the GOV.UK flood warning map.
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Road flooding / blocked road drains → Slough Borough Council Highways online report form.
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Sewer flooding → Thames Water emergency number: 0800 316 9800.
Things you can do today include:
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Keeping gutters, downpipes and outside drains clear.
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Using water butts to catch roof water.
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Choosing permeable paving instead of solid concrete.
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Planning simple flood protection measures (airbrick covers, door barriers).
You can also prepare a household flood plan and sign up for flood warnings via Floodline so you’re ready if water rises.
Yes! Even small garden SuDS features like rain gardens, soakaways, permeable paving or water butts help reduce the volume of water entering the system during rain — slowing the flow and reducing pressure on drains.
Project Sponge can share examples and guidance on what might work in compact spaces.
Climate change is bringing more intense rainfall, and hard surfaces (roads, paved gardens) make it harder for water to soak into the ground. That’s why both structural systems and nature-based approaches are important to manage water locally and reduce flooding risks in the future.
More handy links...
Here are some more useful resources from the National Flood Forum:
Blue Pages – The UK’s Leading Independent Flood Directory
About The National Flood Forum
The only charity dedicated to supporting flooded communities across England and Wales, NFF is working with residents who have experienced flooding, ensuring they are at the heart of any decision- making.
NFF works with Flood Action Groups – a group of individuals who have experienced flood, and represent the voice of the community. A Flood Action Group gives hope to individuals affected and brings a community together with a strengthened collective voice, providing support from professionals and connection to the authorities and organisations that manage flood risk.
The core areas of focus are Burnham, Farnham and Cippenham, and the first Flood Action Group, which was formed in Chalvey in 2023.
Slough Borough Council and Buckinghamshire Council
Project Sponge is supported by both Slough Borough Council and Buckinghamshire Council.
Their shared focus is on working with residents to cultivate strong, healthy and attractive neighbourhoods where residents live well, independently, and become self-sufficient.
Both authorities have responsibility for the infrastructure and green spaces in the area, and a commitment to providing opportunities for residents to change the things they believe need changing in their community.
As a DEFRA-funded programme, Project Sponge has the expertise, knowledge and funding to ensure progress and change can happen in our community.