A Guide for Local Authorities and Town Planners
With extreme weather events on the rise across the UK, councils face mounting pressure to protect their communities from the devastating effects of flooding. Storms are arriving faster, hitting harder, and overwhelming outdated drainage infrastructure with increasing frequency.
For local authorities in Liverpool, Merseyside and Cheshire, preparing effectively for storm season is no longer optional, it’s a matter of public safety, cost control, and service resilience. Fortunately, one of the most effective tools available to councils today is also one of the most versatile: vacuum tanker services to remove flood water.
The Growing Stormwater Challenge Facing Councils
Climate change is driving a rise in high-intensity rainfall, which places huge stress on urban drainage systems. Gullies fill with silt and debris, culverts overflow, and surface water floods roads, estates, parks and public spaces. For councils, this translates into damaged infrastructure, traffic disruption, public health hazards and costly clean-up operations.
Traditional drainage systems (particularly in older urban areas with combined sewers) often lack the capacity to cope with sudden storm surges. Without regular maintenance and rapid response support, these systems can quickly fail.
What Vacuum Tankers Do & Why Councils Need Them
Vacuum tankers are essential in both preventing and responding to flood-related emergencies. These specialised vehicles use high-powered suction to extract liquid waste, silt, stormwater, sewage and other debris from drainage infrastructure. They are commonly used for:
- Gully and drain emptying
- Silt and sludge removal
- Floodwater extraction
- High-pressure water jetting
- Sewer cleaning and maintenance
At Tiger Utilities, our fleet is fully equipped to handle heavy liquid waste in line with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Duty of Care Regulations. Our operators are trained in confined space entry, water jetting and emergency response, ensuring safe and compliant operation in all conditions.
Storm Preparation: The Preventative Role of Tanker Services
Preventing flooding begins long before storm clouds gather. Councils that take a proactive approach to drain maintenance can significantly reduce the risk of costly storm damage. Vacuum tanker services play a vital role in this effort.
Pre-Storm Maintenance Services Include:
- Gully emptying and de-silting in flood-prone areas
- Jetting and unblocking of storm drains and culverts
- Interceptor cleaning to prevent surface water runoff pollution
- Removal of debris from soakaways and highway drainage systems
By scheduling planned maintenance ahead of the storm season, councils can keep drainage networks flowing freely and build resilience into their infrastructure.
Tiger Tip: We recommend regular inspection and clearance of drainage assets, particularly in autumn when leaf fall and debris are at their peak.
Emergency Response: Supporting Councils During Flood Events
When storms hit, response time matters. Councils need to act quickly to protect residents, reopen roads and prevent widespread disruption. Tiger Utilities offers rapid-deployment vacuum tanker support across Liverpool, Merseyside and Cheshire, including 24/7 emergency call-outs.
Our emergency tanker teams can:
- Extract floodwater from roads, underpasses, estates and public spaces
- Clear blocked gullies to restore surface drainage
- Assist with sewer overflows and hazardous spill containment
- Support emergency services by providing site access and waste removal
Our operators are experienced in dealing with public sector infrastructure and understand the importance of speed, safety and clear communication in crisis situations.
Post-Storm Recovery: Helping Councils Restore Public Spaces
After the storm passes, the clean-up begins. Vacuum tankers play a central role in restoring affected areas, preventing health hazards, and getting vital infrastructure back online. Our post-flood services include:
- Removal of standing water from hard-to-reach areas
- Cleaning and reactivating drainage and sewer systems
- Disposal of contaminated waste through licensed facilities
- Support for post-event assessments and insurance reporting
By partnering with a dedicated tanker provider, councils can avoid delays and ensure a fast, safe return to normal operations.
Partnering with Trusted Tanker Providers
Councils that establish long-term relationships with experienced vacuum tanker specialists gain more than just access to equipment—they gain a reliable partner for resilience.
Tiger Utilities offers:
- Scheduled maintenance contracts
- Reactive and emergency support agreements
- Comprehensive RAMS and method statements
- Public sector procurement flexibility
- Full regional coverage across Merseyside and Cheshire
We’ve supported local authorities, highways contractors and housing associations throughout the North West, providing dependable service in both planned and emergency situations.
Case Snapshot: In late 2024, our team responded to a flash flood in Wirral, removing over 18,000 litres of standing water from a council estate within hours. Our tanker operators worked alongside the local highways team to restore access and prevent further damage to the drainage system.
Helping Councils Stay One Step Ahead
By incorporating vacuum tanker support into storm preparation and flood response planning, councils can safeguard infrastructure, protect communities and reduce the long-term cost of climate impacts. Tiger Utilities is here to help you prepare, respond and recover, with expert teams, high-performance tankers, and a deep understanding of the public sector environment.
Get Flood Ready with Tiger Utilities
Whether you need scheduled gully emptying, urgent flood assistance, or a drainage partner you can count on, we’re here to help. Our tanker services are available across Liverpool, Merseyside and Cheshire, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
