United Utilities has set out the steps it is taking to deal with the threats posed by flash flooding, highlighted by the Met Office severe weather warning issued for tomorrow forecasting heavy rain which may bring some river and surface water flooding across England and Wales.

The water company has pointed out that it is already investing heavily in schemes designed to mitigate the risk of flooding homes and business, with £205 million between 2010-2015 protecting homes and businesses from sewer flooding.

A spokesman said:

“Most instances of flooding are experienced at times of heavy rainfall, when some of our sewers struggle to cope with demand.”

"When this happens, the sewer will surcharge and wastewater may escape from the sewer network. Unfortunately, this can result in some sewer flooding of properties – a nightmare for residents that we’re working hard to guard against.”

The company is also targeting areas more likely to experience flooding and defect identification through CCTV sewer surveys.

The spokesman added:

‘The regional wastewater network will benefit from significant investment as we adapt to weather patterns and climate change.”

Water firms across England and Wales are responsible for protecting homes against sewer flooding due to hydraulic incapacity on their own assets.