Guidance

Example flood investigation report structure

Published 16 April 2025

Applies to England

As a lead local flood authority (LLFA), you need to write a report when you conduct a flood investigation.

To help you structure your report, it’s recommended that you use this example flood investigation report structure.

1. Background

This section should include the:

• background to the investigation
• flood investigation criteria met

2. Location

This section should include the:

• location of flooded area
• catchment or coastal characteristics – for example, topography, river network, urban drainage, geology and soils

3. Flood risk understanding

This section should include the:

• existing knowledge of flood risk – for example, national or local flood mapping
• flood history, referencing any previous flood investigations
• existing flood risk management activities protecting the flooded area – for example, defences or maintenance regimes

4. Roles and responsibilities

This section should include the roles and responsibilities of relevant risk management authorities (RMAs).

5. Summary of the event

This section should include:

• a description of conditions leading up to the event
• a description of the event data – including presentation of available rainfall, fluvial, tidal or groundwater data
• an estimate of event probability (where available)

6. Source, pathways and receptors

This section should:

• confirm the source or sources of flooding
• describe the pathways and factors that affected flooding
• describe and quantify the impacts on receptors – including people, property, infrastructure and environment

7. Actions taken

This section should include:

• the flood risk management actions taken during or following the flood event
• a description or timeline of the incident response by RMAs, category 1 and 2 responders, the community and others

8. Lessons learnt

This section should include a:

• discussion of lessons learnt
• table of recommendations