Section 19 Flood Investigations
Independent investigations into flood events, identifying causes, responsibilities, and actions required under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act.
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What is a Section 19 Flood Investigation?
A Section 19 flood investigation is carried out by Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) after significant flood events, as required under the Flood and Water Management Act.
These investigations focus on understanding what caused the flooding, which risk management authorities were involved, and whether appropriate actions were taken.
A Section 19 report then brings this together, identifying the sources and mechanisms of flooding, clarifying responsibilities, and recommending measures to reduce future flood risk. This provides a clear, evidence-based foundation for local authorities, developers, and stakeholders managing flood risk and planning future development.
8,000+
Environmental reports provided.
3 million+
UK property transactions used GeoSmart data.
£900 Billion+
Value of properties advised on flood risk
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How we can help
GeoSmart can assist LLFAs with a detailed, real-world assessment of local flood events, drawing on our experience supporting LLFAs across the UK.
We use our own innovative flood risk software, FloodSmart Analytics, to calculate flood risk and flood depths from multiple types of flooding, including groundwater (a vital source of flooding that is often disregarded), for the whole of the UK.
Working alongside local authorities and stakeholders, our reports deliver robust, evidence-based findings, clarify responsibilities between risk management authorities, and provide practical recommendations to help reduce future flood risk.
Section 19 Flood Investigation Reports
Ideal for Lead Local Flood Authorities
POA
- Site inspections
- Data collection
- Flooding mechanism analysis
- Reporting
- Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating environmental reports can be complex. We’ve answered the most common queries about our data, timescales, and planning suitability below.
Can’t find the answer? Our consultancy team is here to help.
A Section 19 flood investigation is carried out following a significant flood event to determine the causes of flooding and identify which risk management authorities were involved.
Section 19 investigations are typically required after notable or repeated flood events where there is a need to understand the causes, assess responsibilities, and identify actions to reduce future flood risk.
A Section 19 report includes an assessment of flood sources (such as surface water, groundwater, and drainage systems), analysis of how the flooding occurred, identification of responsible authorities, and recommendations for future flood risk management.
Section 19 investigations are led by Lead Local Flood Authorities, often supported by specialist consultants like GeoSmart, who provide technical analysis, data interpretation, and reporting.
By identifying the root causes of flooding and clarifying responsibilities, Section 19 investigations provide actionable recommendations that help local authorities and stakeholders implement effective mitigation measures and improve long-term flood resilience.
Additional Services for LLFAs
- Flood risk portfolios
- Review of minor and major planning applications
- GIS Flood mapping and data
- Flood resilience surveys
- Groundwater and sewer infiltration forecasting
- SuDS and drainage support
- S106 and S185 agreements
What our customers have to say
“The service provided was efficient and friendly. From the first phone call to GeoSmart they provided a clear, professional approach to my request within the timescales advised. Great service and I would have no problem recommending”
“We are very pleased with the service provided by GeoSmart. Their reports have been used to assist with numerous planning applications and have always been delivered to budget and on-time, much to our clients’ appreciation. We look forward to working with GeoSmart on future projects.”
“Efficient and friendly service, GeoSmart provided a clear and concise report within the timescales advised. Great service and I would have no problem recommending”
“The service for a Phase 1 Contaminated Land Study was excellent, fast and efficient! GeoSmart were willing to assist despite the extremely tight timescale to work with. We will definitely consider using your services again”
“The service was great, fast and efficient. Everyone we talked to was very helpful and the details were well received by the planners”
“Great service! Extremely fast and the report was very detailed and well received by the planners. Many thanks GeoSmart, we will definitely use your services again”
“Everyone involved from initial approach to receipt of report was knowledgeable, efficient and focused”
“I would like to say that dealing with GeoSmart was a seamless experience from beginning to end – thank you for that”
“We were impressed by the speedy, well-informed service and personal contact that we received. The report was thorough and comprehensive. We will certainly use GeoSmart’s services in the future”
I was concerned to find out that my house was at a ‘moderate risk’ of groundwater flooding. I was unable to get any further information from anyone until I contacted GeoSmart. The staff I spoke to were friendly, helpful, efficient and extremely knowledgeable. The information provided was very site…
I now purchase GeoSmart’s Groundwater Flood Risk maps regularly – always a very speedy response to the both the initial request and, more importantly, delivery of the data! Excellent customer service too. The data is clear and extremely useful for flood risk assessments.
Brilliant customer service.
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