In Medway, responsibility for drainage is shared between several parties:

Drainage in Medway is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. While challenges persist, current initiatives and strategies demonstrate a commitment to improving drainage infrastructure and reducing flood risk. By building on these efforts and embracing future opportunities, Medway can create a more resilient and sustainable drainage system that protects its communities and environment.

Three key factors make drainage in Medway particularly complex:

The Flow of History: A Deep Dive into the Hydrology and Infrastructure of the Medway

In many parts of the Medway catchment, the drainage system is "combined." This means rainwater and sewage share the same pipes. Under normal conditions, this goes to treatment works. Under heavy rainfall (which the Medway catchment sees frequently), the system creates Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs).

Residents and businesses in Medway frequently encounter:

When rain falls in Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells, the water does not gently soak into aquifers; it runs off hard surfaces and clay soils, funneling rapidly into the tributaries. The drainage system here is fighting a losing battle against geography. The river acts as a massive drain for the entire region, and historically, the infrastructure was designed to move water away from settlements as quickly as possible.