Flood warning: be prepared for potential groundwater flooding

Friday, 20 January 2023 00:00

Wiltshire Council is advising residents in areas at risk of groundwater flooding – particularly in the south of the county – to be prepared as water levels continue to rise.

There have been some flooding incidents in Wilton and Britford during the past week, and groundwater levels in the Salisbury Plain and Cranborne Chase areas are currently high. Although the weather is forecast to be mostly dry during the coming days, people should be prepared in case of groundwater flooding.

To ensure they are best prepared, people should sign up for Environment Agency flood alerts and be ready to act in case of a warning.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Flooding, said: “Groundwater in the south of the county is currently at high levels, and there are some Environment Agency flood warnings and alerts currently in place, so people should be prepared.

“Of course, this can change quickly, and so people should sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings for up-to-date information and know what to do in case of groundwater flooding.

“Fortunately, there doesn’t seem to be much rain forecast over the coming weekend, but with both rivers and groundwater levels high around the county, any further rainfall will increase the risk of flooding, so it is essential that people are prepared.”

The council is working closely with the Environment Agency and water companies to help reduce the potential impacts of flooding. It also works with town and parish councils through its network of flood wardens to ensure communities are as resilient as possible and to help them prepare effectively.

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