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Reservoir flooding and emergencies

We sent reservoir flood maps to all local authorities and reservoir operators in December 2009. The maps will be used to assist the production of emergency plans. These will ensure we are well prepared for reservoir flooding emergencies.

Local authorities will coordinate the production of emergency plans in two phases.

  • They will produce a reservoir flood plan which will cover all reservoirs within their boundaries.
  • They will then develop specific plans for high risk reservoirs.

Co-ordinating emergency plans is complex.  Each plan may take several months to develop.  In the meantime there are a number of generic local incident plans already in place which would be activated if there was a reservoir flooding emergency. 

Reservoir flood maps

The reservoir flood maps are now available on our website.  You will be able to use these to find out if you live or work in an area that could flood from a reservoir.