Flood risk strategy and responsibility

Strategies to manage flood risk around Bristol, flood investigation reports and who's responsible for different watercourses such as main rivers, streams, surface water and ground water.

There are over 100 miles of waterways in Bristol, shown on the pdf Big Blue Map of Bristol (311 KB) .

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

Under the Flood and Water Management Act (2010) Go to http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/29/pdfs/ukpga_20100029_en.pdf (opens new window) we're designated as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) for Bristol. This means we're responsible for managing flood risks from local sources, such as, surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses.

In partnership with the Environment Agency Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency (opens new window), Wessex Water Go to https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/ (opens new window) and the Lower Severn Internal Drainage Board Go to http://www.lowersevernidb.org.uk/ (opens new window) we've produced the pdf Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (6.90 MB) . This sets out our plan for better managing flood risks in our area.

Bristol Avon Flood Strategy

Having a river at the heart of our city comes with challenges we need to plan for. While we cannot prevent all floods, the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy is our long-term plan to manage flood risk.

We're working with the Environment Agency to deliver a long-term plan to better protect homes and businesses from flooding and enhance the river for all. Our ambition is for flood defences that work for Bristol all year, not just when the river floods. By designing defences that improve public spaces, we'll provide:

• new green spaces
• better access to the river
• enhanced heritage features
• improved transport connections

By using this approach, we can protect Bristol and create a more active, sustainable and resilient city.

In March 2021, Cabinet approved the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy Go to https://democracy.bristol.gov.uk/documents/b27389/Updated%20Appendix%20B1%20Consultation%20responses%20and%20outcomes%2009th-Mar-2021%2016.00%20Cabinet.pdf?T=9 (opens new window) following a public consultation. See:

• Bristol Avon Flood Strategy consultation booklet Go to https://democracy.bristol.gov.uk/documents/s57932/Appendix%20A2_consultation%20booklet.pdf (opens new window)
• Bristol Avon Flood Strategy consultation and supporting evidence Go to https://www.ask.bristol.gov.uk/bristol-avon-flood-strategy-consultation (opens new window)

In January 2024, Cabinet approved the Outline Business Case which subsequently received Environment Agency Chief Executive approval and Defra endorsement to proceed to the next stage; Full Business Case.

Funding was also secured and now ground investigations and environmental and topographic surveys will be carried out. These will inform designs, public consultation and engagement before we apply for approval to construct the first phase of the strategy.

Read our updates about the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy for the latest news on this long-term project. 

• Bristol Avon Flood Strategy update: October 2024
• Bristol Avon Flood Strategy update: April 2023
• Bristol Avon Flood Strategy update: May 2022
• Bristol Avon Flood Strategy update: June 2021 

To get future updates, email BristolAvonFlood@bristol.gov.uk 

Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA) Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence Project

The Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA) Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence Project Go to https://www.asea-flood-ecology.co.uk/ (opens new window) is the biggest flood defence and ecology project in the West of England's history.

The project will provide 17km of flood defences to reduce flood risk to 2,500 homes and businesses and 12,000 new jobs for the West of England.

It will also:

• manage the growing risk of flooding from climate change and rising sea levels
• create new wetland habitat for birds along the internationally important Severn Estuary site
• provide improved walking routes, making it easier for people to enjoy nature and the Severn Estuary views

The project is a partnership between South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council and the Environment Agency.

Flood risk responsibility

Main rivers, the sea and reservoirs
The Environment Agency Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency (opens new window) is responsible for managing the flood risk from main rivers (map) Go to https://environment.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=17cd53dfc524433980cc333726a56386 (opens new window), the sea and reservoirs.

Land drainage at Avonmouth and Severnside
The Lower Severn Internal Drainage Board Go to http://www.lowersevernidb.org.uk/ (opens new window) is responsible for managing water levels around Avonmouth and Severnside (map) Go to https://lowersevernidb.org.uk/development/map/ (opens new window).

Other watercourses
We're responsible for managing the flood risk from smaller ordinary watercourses, surface water and groundwater.

Road drainage
We're responsible for managing road drainage and roadside ditches. Report a blocked or smelly street drain.

Sewers
Wessex Water Go to https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/your-wastewater/flooding (opens new window) is responsible for managing the flood risk from sewers.

Water mains
Bristol Water Go to http://www.bristolwater.co.uk/ (opens new window) is responsible for managing the flood risk from burst water mains.

Flood investigations

Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, we must investigate and produce reports on significant flooding where it's necessary or appropriate.

Cheltenham Road flood

The investigation report into the flood on Cheltenham Road on 27 November 2018:
pdf Cheltenham Road flood: 27 November 2018 (1.70 MB)

The report aims to examine:

• cause of the flood
• role of the relevant flood risk management authorities
• what is proposed in response to the flooding

River Avon tidal flooding

The investigation report into the flooding along the River Avon on 11 and 12 March 2020: 
pdf Flood Investigation Report: River Avon, March 2020 (1016 KB)

The report aims to examine:

• cause of the flood
• role of the relevant flood risk management authorities
• what is proposed in response to the flooding

Flood Risk Asset Register

The Flood Risk Asset Register (map) Go to http://maps.bristol.gov.uk/bfrm/ (opens new window) shows structures or features which have an effect on flood risk management.