The Effect of Floods on Residents

Transcription

1 Background This study was initiated to understand the effects of recent flooding on Aldbourne residents. A short questionnaire was answered by 158 Aldbourne residents. This study was not designed to look at solutions, just to gather personal experiences of residents and their attitudes to the situations they found themselves in. Method An online questionnaire and paper versions were used. See appendix A. Overall Summary of Findings 158 responses is substantial considering the size of the village and that the flooding appears confined to certain parts of it. As can be seen a significant number of people have been affected in various ways. There is overwhelming agreement that a serious investigation needs to be conducted to assess this problem for the future of Aldbourne and the people living in it. Findings A significant number of residents are affected by flooding 0% 20% 40% 60% 7 out of 10 respondents have been affected by the current flooding. Over 2 in 10 consider themselves greatly affected. Yes - greatly affected yes - a li6le 2 4 So 3 in 10 respondents, though not directly affected felt strongly enough to answer the survey. not really not at all 20% Figure 1: Residents Affected by Floods Walking through sewer water is offensive Respondents were allowed to answer in their own words how they have been affected. Responses were grouped together to show where the strongest opinions lay. This chart shows those responses relating to the presence of flood water and its effects. Further charts show how residents have been affected in other ways. Walking through sewage water offensive/areas out of bounds Health hazard of sewage on streets 71% 7 The prime concern is the possible effect on health of having sewer water on the streets. The layout of the village and its thoroughfares means for most it s not possible to avoid walking through it. And for a significant minority it means keeping their children away from certain parts of the village. Parts of village look a mess Sewage being lek untreated on street Sewage smell in village Cleaning footwear constantly Cleaning dog constantly/concern about dog health Children not allowed out to play/fear of contaminanon 4 46% 3 16% 66% Figure 2: Those Affected by Sewage on Street Report Compiled: 30 The Effect of Floods on Residents Page 1/4 Fieldwork: 8-28

2 Flooding has also created a problem for drivers Flood waters have undermined road surfaces making driving difficult. Some cars have been damaged due to potholes some of which being obscured by the flood waters. There were also reports of personal injuries from falling over due to damaged road surfaces. Cars travelling through often create waves that threaten properties with flooding. Damaged road surface hazard/potholes/hidden potholes Have to drive through sewage Fast cars creanng waves making walking about difficult/creanng concerns of water ge\ng into Unknown affect of car driving through floods Car damaged from potholes Personal injury falling due to road damage 4% 1% 17% 13% 47% Figure 3: Those Affected by Driving The system congestion affects home- life for many There were significant numbers reporting problems in- home with poor drainage, especially of toilets. Although these in- home problems do not affect all respondents it s a serious cause of distress for 1 in 5 of residents surveyed. Toilet unusable/slow flush Water drains slowly from bath/sinks/showers/ appliances Access to own property difficult 2 28% Social activities have been disrupted as a result for a significant minority. The visible presence of contaminated water close to living areas is also distressing. Imminent threat of house being flooded Sewage smell in house Sewage rising in inspecnon covers in garden/yard/ close to house Constant gurgling noises in house/constant reminder of problem/disrupts sleep InterrupNon to social acnvines/not wannng friends and family subjected to problem/cancelled Certain parts of house unusable 1 17% 16% 14% 11% 4% Figure 4: Those Affected in the Home Residents are also affected by having to deal with the problems themselves Although there has been some help from Thames Water and clean- up operations, a lot of people are having to take their own actions to combat the potential of flooding and the consequences of contact with contaminated water. Communication with responsible agencies and companies is perceived to be unreliable and uncoordinated. Noise from tankers is a constant irritant for those closest to them. Having to take own measures to combat flood waters/sewage DisrupNon to 'normal' life Lack of response from Thames frustranng Constant noise from tankers 18% 33% 2 Figure 5: Those Affected by Combating Problem Report Compiled: 30 The Effect of Floods on Residents Page 2/4 Fieldwork: 8-28

3 There are possible implications for local business too The reluctance to walk around the village had an effect on local business. 2 in 10 said they couldn t get to the local shops at certain times. Can't get to shops/disability prevents access to shops ReducNon in customer numbers to local business/library/centres Although it s recognized that contaminating the Bourne is a concern, there are more pressing problems than keeping the waterways clean. ContaminaNon of Bourne concerning 15% Figure 6: Those Affected in Other Ways Most consider the source of the problem is natural but. the sheer amount of water is not the only reason for flooding; poor sewer and drainage systems are considered a major part of the problem. Either the systems are considered damaged or they re inadequate for modern (and future) Aldbourne. Rising springs Poor storm drainage The geography of the village Just too much rain Damaged sewers Insufficient sewer capacity/bad design/ management Bourne could run more freely/bridges restricnng flow Drains not kept clear % 4 47% 68% Lack of natural soak- away areas Figure 7: What's to Blame for Flooding Residents consider contaminated water on the streets a very serious problem None of the 158 residents surveyed considered sewage on the streets of Aldbourne should be taken lightly. 9 in 10 consider it to be a very serious problem. A very serious problem 87% Somewhat serious problem Not really a problem Not at all a problem Don't know 11% 0% 0% Figure 8: Opinion of Sewage on Streets Report Compiled: 30 The Effect of Floods on Residents Page 3/4 Fieldwork: 8-28

4 Almost all respondents want the flooding problem properly investigated 9 said they wanted an investigation into the problem and possible solutions to it. Only 8% consider an investigation a waste of time. Most want to believe Aldbourne is able to cope with what the future may throw at it. Uncertain climatic conditions, possibly meaning more rain and more intensive rainfall makes residents nervous about how the flooding problem may grow. YES TW should invesngate NO 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% System needs updanng to cope with Aldbourne of today/ 84% Long term solunon needs looking at 77% Protect our's and children's health 68% All opnons should be invesngated by TW 58% TW should work in partnership with others to address 56% Bourne rounng/channelling needs invesnganng 45% TW should be forced to invesngate 41% Sewer system being infiltrated but why? 38% PC should take more acnve role sornng the problem 31% Doubt tanker pumping helps/just display for Environment 27% TW have a poor history of addressing flooding problems 28% Protect local business/orgs 25% Storm drains should be checked 24% Spring sources need to be invesngated Figure 9: The Need for a Full Investigation of Problem 8% 9 Report Compiled: 30 The Effect of Floods on Residents Page 4/4 Fieldwork: 8-28

5 Appendix A: Questionnaire Q1. Are you aware of the flooding in the village? Yes No Q2. Have you been affected by the flooding? Yes greatly affected Yes a little Not really Not at all Q3. In what way(s) have you been affected? write in your own words Q4. What do you think is to blame for this flooding? Just too much rain The geography of the village Poor storm drainage Damaged sewers Rising springs Other (write in) PTO Q5. There are TWO types of floodwaters in the village: (1) the natural and fairly clean rising spring waters that flow and overflow the bourne and (2) the mix of effluent and water coming from the sewers. Are you aware of this? Yes aware of both Not aware Q6. How do you feel about there being raw sewage on the streets of Aldbourne? A very serious problem A somewhat serious problem Not really a problem Not at all a problem Don t know Q7. Some people believe the leaking sewage is due to a blockage in the sewer system, which is compounded by the rising springs entering the damaged sewer system. The storm drains are a separate system and appear mostly unaffected by the spring water as they run freely. A full investigation would reveal the problem. Should Thames Water investigate? Write in your own words: Report Compiled: 30 The Effect of Floods on Residents Page 5/4 Fieldwork: 8-28