Identify areas at risk of flooding

This standard covers the identification of areas that are at risk of flooding. This could be done by using GIS, maps, survey data, historical data and by working with other organisations. The causes of flooding could be ground, fluvial or pluvial.

The standard also covers the creation of flood hazard maps and flood risk maps which will identify the potential size of the flood area and the consequences of flooding on humans, the local economy and the environment.

You must carry out your work in a way that takes account of its impact on the environment.

This standard is for employees or volunteers who need to identify areas that are potentially at risk of flooding. It applies to work carried out on rivers, coasts and waterways.

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1. read and interpret maps and graphs to identify areas at risk of flooding
2. create maps of flood risk areas
3. create maps of flood hazard areas
4. identify different sources of potential flooding
5. assess the impact on the environment from flooding
6. assess the impact on humans and the economy from flooding
7. assess the likely extent of flooding
8. assess the likely causes of flooding
9. evaluate the risks of flooding
10. work with other organisations to identify specific risks

1. the holistic nature of the water cycle, including groundwater
2. the bedrock, superficial geology and soils and their influence on the baseflow contribution of groundwater to surface water
3. the types of drainage systems and capacity
4. the sustainable drainage systems and their uses
5. how to interpret maps and graphs in identifying areas at risk of flooding
6. how to map flood hazards including extent, depth, direction and speed
7. how to map flood risk in relation to human, economic and environmental impact
8. how to use historical data and surveys in identifying areas at risk of flooding
9. the local river basin management plan
10. how to evaluate risks in terms of flooding
11. the likely sources and causes of flooding
12. the types of flood defences and controls and how they can be used
13. the importance of working with other organisations

​Types of sources and causes of flooding:

• sea
• main rivers
• reservoirs
• fluvial (the inability of natural water courses to cope with excessive rainfall)
• pluvial (direct runoff over land causing local flooding in areas not previously associated with natural or man-made water courses)
• groundwater (water which is below the surface of the ground and in direct contact with the ground or subsoil)