Flood risk across Kingston upon Thames
Kingston sits on the non-tidal Thames just above Teddington Lock, where river flooding is driven by high flows coming down from upstream. The Hogsmill and Beverley Brook run through the borough to the Thames, and surface water from heavy rain affects streets across Kingston, Surbiton and New Malden.
Flood zones only show river and sea flooding, and they ignore flood defences. Surface water and reservoir risk aren’t part of the zones – check them on the Environment Agency’s long-term flood risk service, or get the full report, which covers every source.
Rivers that shape local flood risk
Main rivers are managed by the Environment Agency. Smaller watercourses and drainage are the responsibility of Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and landowners.
River Thames – Kingston and Surbiton (non-tidal)
Hogsmill River – Ewell, Berrylands and Kingston
Beverley Brook – New Malden and the eastern edge
Bonesgate Stream – Chessington
Who manages flood risk here
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is the Lead Local Flood Authority, responsible for surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. The Environment Agency manages main rivers and the sea, and issues flood warnings. The same council also decides planning applications – and asks for a flood risk assessment in Flood Zones 2 and 3.
Getting a written answer for an address
The free check describes the area around your postcode. For a specific property, the full report checks your exact address against every flood dataset and gives you a dated PDF to share with your surveyor, conveyancer or insurer.
For planning decisions, your local council has the final say.
