The Kent Flood Risk and Water Management Committee is scheduled to discuss a range of critical issues concerning flood risk and water management across the county. Key topics include an update on severe weather response activities, a report on public health risks associated with waterborne pollution, and presentations from the Environment Agency, Southern Water, and the Lower Medway Internal Drainage Board.

KCC Severe Weather Response Activity Report

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on Kent County Council's (KCC) response activities to severe weather events. This report will cover water-related alerts received from the Met Office and Environment Agency, detailing operational actions taken to mitigate associated risks. The report highlights that 85,500 residential and commercial addresses in Kent are at risk from fluvial or tidal flooding. It also notes that between April and September 2026, there were two flood alerts, and seven weather alerts, including heat, thunderstorm, and wind warnings. The Thames Barrier was closed on three occasions for testing and three times for operational reasons during this period. The report also details responses to specific incidents, including water supply disruptions affecting areas like Whitstable, Herne Bay, and Ashford between May and August 2026, which were attributed to low storage levels and high demand during hot weather.

Public Health Water Borne Pollution Report

A report on the impacts and risks of waterborne pollution is scheduled for discussion. This report will outline the main types and sources of waterborne pollution affecting Kent, including microbiological contamination, chemical pollutants, and emerging contaminants. It will also detail the potential physical and mental health impacts on residents and visitors, identifying those most at risk and how water pollution can exacerbate health inequalities. The report notes that KCC Public Health does not sample water or enforce water quality standards but plays a role in assessing and communicating health risks, monitoring emerging threats, and supporting emergency preparedness. The report identifies key microbes such as E. coli, Campylobacter, and Norovirus, and chemical pollutants like pesticides, nitrates, and heavy metals as potential sources of health issues. Emerging contaminants such as PFAS (forever chemicals) and microplastics are also highlighted as areas of concern.

Environment Agency Update

The committee is scheduled to receive an update from the Environment Agency. While the specific details of this update are not provided in the report pack, it is expected to cover matters related to flood risk management and environmental protection within Kent.

Southern Water Update

An update from Southern Water is also on the agenda. This will likely cover their operational activities, infrastructure, and response to water-related incidents and challenges within the county.

Lower Medway IDB Update

The committee is also scheduled to hear an update from the Lower Medway Internal Drainage Board (IDB). Internal Drainage Boards are responsible for managing water levels and drainage in specific low-lying areas, and this update will likely focus on their activities and challenges in the Lower Medway area.

Romney Marshes Flood and Climate Change Assessment

A presentation on the Romney Marshes Flood and Climate Change Assessment is scheduled. This study aims to highlight the risks faced by Romney Marsh and surrounding areas, outlining work undertaken to date and future phases. The marsh, a low-lying area of reclaimed wetland, is protected by tidal flood defences. The assessment considers increased rainfall and sea level rise as factors expected to increase flood risk. The study is being undertaken by Arcadis Consulting, with funding secured through the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee Local Levy. Phase 2 will involve modelling to assess interactions between watercourses, pumps, and outfalls, while Phase 3 will provide a high-level assessment of potential options for future flood risk management.

KCC Highways and Transport - Road Drainage Presentation

A presentation on road drainage by Carol Valentine, Highways Asset Drainage Manager, is scheduled. This will cover the structure and responsibilities of the highway's drainage team, including their role in ensuring surface water is kept off highways and maintaining assets to prevent flooding. The team manages a significant number of assets, including drains, ponds, lagoons, and pumping stations. The presentation will likely detail the maintenance programme, challenges such as third-party assets and landowner compliance, and the capital drainage budget of approximately £5 million per annum. It will also address storm event responses and plans for the inspection and improvement of ponds and lagoons.

Kent Flood Action Group Forum - Update

Mr David Goff, Chairman of the Kent Flood Action Group Forum, is scheduled to provide an update. Flood Action Groups are volunteer-led organisations with local knowledge of flooding issues. They work with communities and partner agencies to raise awareness, monitor local conditions, and support residents during flood events. The update is expected to cover collaborative work with the Kent Resilience Forum and the Environment Agency, challenges in increasing public awareness of flood risk, and the role of parish councils and Flood Action Groups in supporting local flood resilience.

The committee is scheduled to discuss the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting held on 10th June 2026.