Groundwater flooding occurs when prolonged or heavy rainfall causes underground water levels to rise, leading to water emerging at the surface or entering buildings. Unlike river or surface water flooding, groundwater flooding often develops slowly but can persist for days or even weeks.
Alton Facility Services has a dedicated Flood Support Team that works to support residents, businesses, and partner agencies before, during, and after groundwater flooding events.
Emergency Services & Enquiries
Real feedback from homeowners and businesses across Hampshire, Surrey & West Sussex.
Our Flood Support Team can provide advice and coordinated support during active groundwater flooding incidents.
Emergency Services & Enquiries
Groundwater flooding occurs when prolonged or heavy rainfall causes underground water levels to rise, leading to water emerging at the surface or entering buildings. Unlike river or surface water flooding, groundwater flooding often develops slowly but can persist for days or even weeks.
Alton Facility Services has a dedicated Flood Support Team that works to support residents, businesses, and partner agencies before, during, and after groundwater flooding events.
Groundwater flooding happens when soil and rock become fully saturated and can no longer absorb additional rainfall. As pressure builds underground, water rises through the ground and may enter properties through floors, walls, drains, and foundations.
It is more likely to occur in:
The Alton Facility Services Flood Support Team provides practical and coordinated support during groundwater flooding incidents, including:
Where appropriate, the Flood Support Team can also deploy specialist equipment to help manage floodwater.
As part of its flood response capability, Alton Facility Services Flood Support Team has access to high-capacity pumping and water removal equipment.
Our equipment includes:
This equipment may be used to:
Groundwater flooding behaves differently from other types of flooding. Pumping may not always stop groundwater levels from rising. However, targeted pumping and tanker support can help manage impacts and reduce disruption in some situations.
All pumping operations carried out by Alton Facility Services are:
You may notice:
Early reporting helps Alton Facility Services Flood Support Team assess conditions and respond effectively.
Not always. Groundwater flooding is caused by high underground water levels, and pumping cannot always prevent water from continuing to rise. However, targeted pumping by Alton Facility Services can help reduce impacts, manage water in specific areas, and support access and recovery.
Pumps and tankers are deployed following an assessment by the Alton Facility Services Flood Support Team. Deployment depends on:
In some cases, pumping can help reduce water levels around properties or critical areas, but it cannot guarantee prevention of groundwater flooding. Alton Facility Services Flood Support Team can advise on temporary and longer-term protection measures.
Groundwater levels take time to fall. Water may continue to emerge for days or weeks after rainfall ends, particularly in chalk or limestone areas.
Small domestic pumps may help with minor surface water but are often ineffective against groundwater flooding. Incorrect use can also create safety risks. Always follow manufacturer guidance.
Floodwater may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or debris. Avoid contact where possible, keep children and pets away, and wash hands thoroughly after any contact.
If there is immediate danger to life, electrical hazards, gas leaks, or structural risk, contact the emergency services immediately. For flooding advice, support, or assessment, contact Alton Facility Services Flood Support Team.
Support is assessed on a case-by-case basis. In some situations, pumping or tanker support may help with external water management. Alton Facility Services Flood Support Team will advise on the safest and most effective options.
If groundwater flooding is affecting your area or property, contact Alton Facility Services Flood Support Team.
Email: floodsupport@altonfs.co.uk
Phone: 01420 561661
Availability: 24/7 during active flood incidents
For immediate risk to life or property, always contact emergency services.
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