Research to define metrics for measuring progress in surface water flood risk management

The management of surface water flooding has emerged and evolved as a discipline in itself over the last 10 years, following the major floods of summer 2007. The risk is significant and coupled with this are the complexity and fragmentation of arrangements for surface water management in England. Overland surface water flows are dependent on infrastructure to manage surface water drainage. The condition of the surface water drainage network is deteriorating over time, whilst ownership and funding for maintenance and repairs are often contested. This presents a very real challenge for surface water management and one where climate and population change are not the only driver for increased risk into the future.

This research has considered the use of both existing and new metrics to assess progress that has been made in surface water management at both a national and local level. The advantages, disadvantages and possible unintended consequences of using different metrics within the groupings of Risk, Ways of working and Delivery have informed the recommended metrics.

The analysis has found that it is not currently possible to compile a set of populated metrics that could be used to measure the progress in management of surface water flood risk because:

• The data is not currently collected;
• The lack of compatible standards results in an inconsistency in reporting between Risk Management Authorities (RMA); or
• They are not currently collated nationally.