Question 1

What is an Environment Agency flood risk map?

Accepted Answer

The Environment Agency flood risk maps are created to assess the likelihood of flooding in specific UK areas. This map includes flood from rivers and sea for planning purposes,surface water run-off maps and reservoir maps. For instance, the Flood Map for Planning (Rivers and Sea) includes several layers covering Flood Zone 2 and 3. It evaluates the riskof flooding by ignoring the presence of flood defenses. The flood risk maps are produced to support the flood risk assessments in line with Planning Practice Guidance. TheEnvironment Agency flood risk maps also help people living in flood areas understand flooding and make them aware of the hazards. The Environment Agency flood risk maps area based on modelled data with substantial assumptions being made. Therefore, this information should be taken as indicative and not used for specific sites or individual properties.This is because the Environment Agency does not have the final floor levels of your property.

Question 2

What is flood risk mapping?

Accepted Answer

Flood Risk Mapping identifies areas that are at significant risk of flooding. The Environment Agency has completed this identification. It includes databases such as the main riversand sea and the lead local flood authorities in charge of surface water flooding. In general, flood risk areas are determined where Flood Hazard and Risk Maps and Flood RiskManagement Plans must subsequently be produced to meet national guidelines. You can explore the more relevant maps on our website.

Question 3

How to evaluate flood risk maps?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating flood maps to identify the risk of flooding to an individual property is not feasible. This is because it is used at the regional or local level and does not contain the final floor level of the property. To understand the flood maps, it is necessary to look at the Flooding from Surface Water (RoFSW) and the flood risk from Rivers and Sea for planning

Question 4

How does flooding occur?

Accepted Answer

[object Object]

Question 5

What are the type of floods?

Accepted Answer

[object Object]

Question 6

How can you use flood risk maps?

Accepted Answer

The Flood Risk Maps were initially produced to inform the Lead Local Flood Authorities in creating Flood Risk Management Plans for each catchment. The maps are currently also used for evaluating flood risk in areas and to provide awareness of flood risks that affect planning applications and development areas.

Question 7

How do you check if a property is in a flood-risk area?

Accepted Answer

By typing your postcode into our database, you can check if your property is in a flood-risk area. To be outside of flood risk, your property should be located within flood zone 1, be at a very low risk of surface water flooding, and not within a flood warning area or the historic flood map areas.

Question 8

Is it hard to sell a house in a flood zone?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the potential impact of the flooding and the flood risk. For instance, if your property is in areas of high flood risk, the impact (depth of water) is very low. There are interventions that you can undertake to protect your property. In most cases, it is necessary that you a flood risk assessment to be able to demonstrate these risks and the impact of flooding. It has been found that property prices dropped after major flooding; however, house prices recovered rapidly.

Question 9

How do I find flood zones on Google Maps?

Accepted Answer

We have created maps that show the latest imagery, like google maps. You can see the most representative and up-to-date flood risk information.

Question 10

Am I at risk of flooding?

Accepted Answer

You can explore the flood risk from surface water, rivers and sea, and reservoirs and also find out if your site can benefit from flood defenses, is in a flood warning area or has been a flood in the past. We also give you tips to start protecting your livelihood from flooding. Check out our flood risk maps above.

Question 11

How accurate is the flood risk map?

Accepted Answer

The flood risk map uses the most up-to-date data from the Environment Agency and LLFAs, refreshed regularly with official updates. While it provides a reliable overview of flood zones and surface water flooding, it cannot predict individual property conditions. For a detailed assessment, we recommend ordering a full RIDA Report that analyses property-level flood risk.

Question 12

Can I check flood risk by postcode?

Accepted Answer

Yes — simply enter any UK postcode into our flood risk map to see whether flooding could affect that location. The results highlight flood zones, surface water hazards, river and sea flood risk, and any live warnings. It’s a quick way to check before buying, moving, or submitting a planning application.

Question 13

What’s the difference between flood zones and surface water flooding?

Accepted Answer

Flood zones (1, 2, and 3) show areas at long-term risk from rivers and seas, as defined by the Environment Agency. Surface water flooding refers to heavy rain that overwhelms drainage systems and flows over the ground. Our flood risk map shows both, so you get a full picture of potential flood hazards.

Question 14

Does the flood map show flooding risk for a specific property or just a wider area?

Accepted Answer

Most national maps show risk for an area around a location (for example, using a 25-meter buffer), rather than the exact property. For a detailed property-level flood risk assessment, consider commissioning a RIDA Report that includes granular local data and site-specific analysis.

Question 15

Can local agencies provide more detail than national flood maps?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Local Lead Flood Authorities (LLFAs) may hold more detailed or up-to-date flood risk data than central models—especially for surface water. If national tools or the flood risk map don’t answer your question, contacting your LLFA might provide additional insight.

Question 16

How do I check the long-term flood risk for my area?

Accepted Answer

You can use the RIDA Reports flood risk map to check flood zones, river and sea flooding, and surface water risk for any UK postcode. Our map uses the same Environment Agency (EA) data as the official government service, but brings it together in one easy-to-use tool alongside information from Local Lead Flood Authorities (LLFAs).

Flood Risk Map – Check UK Flood Zones by Postcode

See flood zones and water risks instantly with our map. Ensure Planning Approval with a Professional Flood Risk Assessment

Flood Risk Map

Our Services

Our Clients

High Risk Flood Zones

Engineering Insights

All the maps in one place

Clear, postcode-level results

Trusted insights

FAQS