A groundwater flood-risk map of the UK is being made widely available for the first time. Created by JBA Consulting and available online from aerial mapping company Bluesky, the map is designed to help housing providers, local authorities and risk-management organisations understand the threat of groundwater flooding. The new colour-coded hazard map is easy to use and complements other flood maps and geographic datasets already available from the Bluesky Mapshop.
Rachel Tidmarsh, managing director, Bluesky, said, “Groundwater flooding tends to be more persistent than surface-water flooding and can result in significant damage to properties. As weather events become more severe and rainfall levels rise, so, therefore, does the threat of groundwater flooding.”
The new groundwater flood map was created by JBA Consulting and provides comprehensive coverage of all aquifers in England, Wales and Scotland. Created using a range of data, including known locations of past groundwater flooding events, rainfall measurements and aquifer properties, the new map provides a classification of hazards on a 50-metre grid using a simple traffic-light system. The three tiered methodology used to create the map allows for quick and efficient updates and refining of the map for local areas of particular interest.
Dr Maxine Zaidman, technical director for hydrology and hydrometry, JBA Consulting, said, “These maps will support flood risk management activities at a national or local scale, and will help risk management authorities in meeting their responsibilities under the Flood and Water Management Act.”
