Environment Agency - Home

What we're doing

We can't prevent flooding entirely, but what we can do is manage the risk of flooding. Find out about our science and research programs and future plans to tackle flooding.

Managing flood risk has never been more important

Over 2.5 million properties in England and Wales are at risk from flooding from rivers and the sea.  Changes in our climate, such as more severe storms and wetter winters, will increase that risk.

Through flood risk management, we can reduce the probability of flooding from rivers and the sea through the management of land, river systems, and flood and coastal defences. We also work to reduce the damage floods can do through effective land use planning, flood warning and emergency responses.

  • Managing flood water

    The best way to reduce the risk of flood is to focus on ways that work with nature, not against it, such as constructing flood barriers. So, here we look at the different ways in which we can help minimise the risk.

  • Forecasting and warning

    Telling people a flood is about to happen is vital, as it gives them time to prepare. We also encourage those in risk areas to make a flood plan, so that they are ready when the warning comes.

  • Into the future

    Climate change, new technology and research - it's all vital to keep on top of flooding.

  • Sources of flooding

    Floods can happen anywhere at anytime, caused by rising ground water levels, burst water drains, hillside run-off from sudden rain as well as flooding from rivers and the sea.