Flood Risk Services

The team at Water Environment have a wide range of experience in delivering flood risk projects for our clients. We pride ourselves on providing robust, up-to-date advice to inform all stages of development. Further details of our flood risk services are described below. If you have any questions about what we offer, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Flood Risk Assessment (FRA)

Under current planning law, developers are required to carry out site-specific Flood Risk Assessments to accompany planning applications in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Site feasibility
Flood event analysis and planning
Sequential Test
Planning
BREEAM

Sustainable Drainage Strategy

For any major development, surface water must be managed through a sustainable drainage strategy. Water Environment can advise on and design green roofs, soakaways, permeable paving, swales and ponds to meet planning requirements.

Flood Defence (Mitigation) Strategy

Where development is in the floodplain, a flood mitigation strategy is required. We design flood defence schemes and retrofit flood protection solutions, including floodplain compensation, flood barriers, and property resilience measures.

Flood Investigation

When flooding incidents occur, Water Environment investigates the source and cause. Our investigations cover sewer blockages, surface water flood events, river flooding, and overland flow pathways to identify solutions and prevent recurrence.

Hydrology & Hydraulic Modelling

Accurate flood flow estimation underpins all our flood risk work. We hold industry-leading software including FEH, ReFH2, Flood Modeller Pro, TUFLOW and InfoWorks ICM to determine flood extents, design flows and surface water drainage.

Flood Emergency Plan

Flood emergency plans must conform to the NPPF and meet the requirements of the Local Planning Authority and Environment Agency. Water Environment can help you prepare detailed, compliant flood warning and evacuation plans.

Basement Impact Assessment (BIA)

Many London boroughs require Basement Impact Assessments for all planning applications proposing basement development. Our chartered engineers can complete and sign off all levels of Surface Flow and Flooding assessment.

Groundwater Flooding

Groundwater and surface water bodies are connected and due consideration must be given to risks above and below the ground surface. Water Environment can assess groundwater flooding risks and advise on how your development can work with local ground conditions.

Expert Witness

Water Environment's specialists provide independent expert witness evidence on flood risk and hydrology matters for planning appeals, insurance disputes and legal proceedings.