London Rivers Week: build your flood resilience

London Rivers Week takes place from Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May 2026. It’s a great opportunity to begin to learn more about rivers and get involved to help protect your local waterways.

As well as celebrating London’s rivers, this week-long event is also a good time to understand how rivers can help to reduce local flood risk, as well as the simple steps you can take to prepare for flooding if your area is at risk. 

Know your flood risk

Check your local flood risk.

Flooding can happen anywhere and can come from several different sources, including:

• Rivers - when river levels rise after prolonged or heavy rainfall, water can overflow onto nearby land, roads and properties
• Surface water from heavy rainfall - this happens when rain falls faster than the ground can absorb it, and the drains and sewers can carry it away. Surface water flooding is common during intense or prolonged storms and can occur anywhere, even far from rivers
• Groundwater - after long periods of wet weather, groundwater levels can rise and emerge at surface-level or seep into basements and low lying areas
• Sewer and drainage systems - sewers and drains can become blocked or overfill during heavy rainfall, causing water to back up and flood streets or properties

Flooding can sometimes come from more than one source at the same time, which is why it’s important to understand your local flood risk and be prepared. 

Read more about how to prepare for flooding.

Why reporting flooding matters

The Richmond Local Lead Flood Authority (LLFA) uses information from residents to help plan and deliver new flood resilience and flood alleviation projects in the areas that need it most.

Report flooding

If you experience flooding, please report it after the event using the online flooding report form.

For any further information or advice, you can contact us at flooding@richmondand.gov.uk.

Learn more and get involved

Find out more about London Rivers Week, restoration project successes and how you can take action to help your local river.

• Crane Valley
• South East Rivers Trust – Beverley Brook
• Thames 21 – London Rivers Week 2026