Urban Water Experts from Planning to Construction
We make it easy to manage water and protect developments from flooding.
Water experts committed to the success of your project. Share the success of our clients!
Our Services
Flood Risk Assessment
Flood Risk Assessment compliant with the National Planning Policy and the Environment Agency Regulations. Ready within 48 hours.
Drainage Design
Sustainable drainage strategy and foul water drainage designs compliant with the Local and National Drainage Guidance.
Climate Change Adaptation
Green infrastructure designs and nature-based solutions to Zero Carbon for the protection of communities and developments.
Specialist Designs
Hydraulic River Modelling,
Sequential & Exception Tests,
Statutory River Permits
Our Benefits
We’ll help you to:
Obtain Planning Approval
We put your project in the hands of our experts who will obtain planning permission in a timely manner. At Urban Water your Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy is our priority.
Get a robust, fast and reliable design
At Urban Water, we have redefined flood risk evaluations and the use of surface and foul water for the digital age. We provide tools that grant substantial advantages to service users, providers, and to society as a whole.
Future Proof your development
An integrated approach to urban water management is the key to adapting to climate change. The increasingly erratic rain patterns of the present day call for new solutions and not just traditional sewers. For us, it is important to integrate sustainable urban drainage systems with traffic, wellness and energy planning.
Take action based on reliable data
The use of digital information does not only increase the flexibility and effectiveness of existing urban water systems, but can also allow for the provision of new services to society. We envision that this digital information will help cities to cope with climate change and urbanisation. Check our flood risk map and nature based solutions maps.
Flood Risk Maps
Flood Risk Map Tool
We have created a flood risk map tool to determine the flood risk for your development. We have also compiled the Environment Agency flood risk assessment map for planning and the Environment Agency surface water flood map. These two data sets will allow you to see the potential location of your site within Flood Zones 2 or 3. It also allows you to analyse the long term flood risk maps produced by the Environment Agency.
You can access the flood risk map tool by using your post code.
Nature-based Solution Map
Our nature-based solutions map tool shows the Environment Agency’s latest information on Natural Process to reduce flood risk. These maps show the potential sites for flood runoff attenuation and potential for planting and woodland creation. You can also see if one of these sites is near your development and check if your development can be the catalyst to start managing flood risk within the catchment.
Explore alternatives to protect your development and assets from the risk of flooding.
Our Professional Memberships & Accreditations
Constructionline
Accredited through Constructionline, verifying our compliance with industry standards for safety, quality, and reliability.
CIWEM
Recognised for excellence in water and environmental management. Our CIWEM membership ensures all assessments follow the highest professional and environmental standards.
ICE
As members of ICE, our engineers adhere to rigorous civil engineering standards, bringing technical accuracy, integrity and trusted expertise to every report.
SocEnv
Our environmental professionals are registered with SocEnv, reflecting our commitment to responsible, sustainable and compliant environmental practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an Environment Agency flood risk assessment?
You can get a flood risk assessment by contacting us. The initial Environment Agency flood risk assessment will be ready within 48hrs and the final compliant report with the Environment Agency standing advice will follow within one month.
You can also read our flood risk assessment ultimate guide. In this guide we explain the different sources of flooding and how to undertake a basic environment agency flood risk assessment. It also explains how to use the Environment Agency flood risk assessment climate change allowances.
How do I know if my property in the UK is located within a flood zone?
In order to determine if your property is in a flood zone, you should use the flood risk map tool. Select your postcode (or nearest post code) to determine if your site is within the flood zone.
You can also send us the details of your site and we can obtain the depth of flood and levels of your property. Our detailed flood risk assessment will allow you to determine if your property is within a flood zone in the UK and get approval from the local planning authorities.
Is my property at risk of flooding?
You can use the flood risk map tool to determine if your property is at risk of flooding. You can see the flood zones, the risk from surface water and also whether the property has been flooded in the past.
You can also register to the flood warning system provided by the Environment Agency.
What is a level 2 flood risk assessment?
The Environment Agency Level 2 flood risk assessment is a scoping study in which we contact the Environment Agency and other authorities to obtain detailed advice on the risk of flooding from multiple sources. This includes obtaining the flood modelling results that underpin the flood map for planning and also requesting records of past flooding incidents in critical drainage areas from the local council.
As part of this level 2 flood risk assessment, we compare the levels of the site against the modelled flood level including the potential for climate change. Once this assessment is completed the final floor levels of the property are given. Moreover the level 2 flood risk assessment provides the main access and evaluation routes from the site along with detailed flood resistance and resilience intervention for the site.
Our Blogs
NPPF Update August 2026: Key Flood Risk and Drainage Changes
The August 2026 NPPF changes how flood risk is assessed at planning
Sequential Test Failure and the Planning Balance
Technical lessons from the 2026 Yatton and Faversham judgments on flood risk,
Flood Map for Planning Update 2026 | New Surface Water Datasets Explained
The Environment Agency updated the Flood Map for Planning on 28 May
Proposed 2026 NPPF: Flood Risk, Viability & Design | What Developers & Architects Need to Know
The December 2025 draft NPPF proposes the most significant shift in flood
