The worst flooding to hit the country in 60 years has been in Gloucestershire, home to over 350,000 people.

But despite the initial perception that the county’s drain men would be moving their way across the flood-hit region, trying to get to the root of the problem, in fact, there is very little they can do.

“Our powers are very limited at the moment,” explains Gloucester drainage contractor, Nick Cousins. “We have to wait for the water to subside before we can get involved.”  

The rapid rainfall has left the residents in the three counties without a mains water supply, which has also left the drainage contractors without their most important piece of equipment.

“It means we can’t use the jetting units that we use to clear the drains,” said Cousins. “If you haven’t got water, they don’t operate. A rod won’t clear a blocked drain. You need a jet to clear things properly.”

“All the contractors in Gloucestershire will be in the same situation. The fact that there is no main’s water means the same for all of us. All we can do is wait and be prepared.”

The drainage companies are urging residents in the flood-hit areas to use their common sense during these uncertain times. “If you’ve got an immersion for example, make sure you turn it off, as they’ll be no water to heat,” said Cousins. They are also warning residents to go easy on the water once it is turned back on. “The ball valve will have sat at the bottom of the tank for a few weeks,” said Cousins, “thus it will probably become stuck, so when people go to fill up their tanks, they’ll flood them.”