Guidance

Flood risk maps for surface water: how to use the map

How to use the maps to find out if you are at risk of flooding from surface water.

• From: Environment Agency
• Published: 12 December 2013
• Last updated: 30 January 2025 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Risk of flooding from surface water – understanding and using the map

HTML

Details

This guidance explains:

• how the flood risk maps for surface water were created
• the levels of flood risk

Surface water flooding happens when rainwater does not drain away through the normal drainage systems or soak into the ground. Instead it lies on or flows over the ground.

Lead local flood authorities (LLFAs) manage the risk of flooding from surface water by working in partnership with:

• the Environment Agency
• district councils
• internal drainage boards
• water and sewerage companies

The risk of flooding from surface water map was produced by the Environment Agency on behalf of government. It uses information and input from LLFAs.

You can also find out if you are at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea and reservoirs.

Published 12 December 2013
Last updated 30 January 2025 + show all updates

1. 30 January 2025

   Updated guidance and replaced obsolete content with accessible html version

2. 12 December 2013

   First published.