Reservoir flood maps for your area are now available to view online via the Environment Agency (external link) website. The website also contains links to useful information such as how reservoirs are regulated, and guidance for people living near reservoirs.
The maps have been prepared for emergency planning purposes and for this reason they reflect a credible worst case scenario – this means that if reservoir failure did occur it would most likely be far less severe than the scenario shown in the maps. The maps show the worstcase scenario so that emergency planners have all the information they need to increase public safety.
The areas highlighted green on the reservoir flood maps are the areas that might be flooded in a credible worst case scenario. The maps do not give any information about the depth or speed of the flood waters or the length of time it would take for the flood waters to reach any location. Even in a worstcase scenario many areas highlighted green would be expected to receive no more than one or two centimetres of flood water.
If their generic guidance doesn’t answer your questions you may want to look at their ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ for more information about reservoir flooding, reservoir emergency planning, and reservoir safety. If you have any technical questions about how the maps were created, you can call their customer contact centre on 08708 506 506.
The Cumbria County Council Resilience Unit is currently preparing a generic plan for responding to a reservoir emergency. For more information on arrangements for responding to emergencies in Cumbria click here.
If you have any questions about the planning arrangements for reservoirs, or any other emergencies in Cumbria, please contact the Resilience Unit via emergency.planning@cumbriacc.gov.uk or 01228 815700.
Those who are unable to access the reservoir flood maps via the Environment Agency website using their own PC, can make use of the IT facilities at a local public library in Cumbria. On arrival please inform library staff that you wish to see the reservoir flood maps and you will be able to access them free of charge. A charge will still apply for any printing. Please note that library staff will be unable to answer any questions about reservoirs or emergencies in Cumbria, and for this you should contact the Resilience Unit (as above).
Click here for general information about reservoir emergencies.
