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GWFlood

Groundwater Flood Forecasting

Enquire about GWFlood

The UK’s first early warning system on groundwater flooding for property, infrastructure and public service providers.

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The UK’s first early warning system on groundwater flooding for property, infrastructure and public service providers

As our climate changes, so do threats from flooding to where we live, work and run essential services. Groundwater flooding has been always been a struggle to predict, but with GWFlood forecasting, many people are starting to learn more about the risks and take action. We have launched GWFlood to help you plan and take action to safeguard property and ensure continuity of essential services.

Combining 50 years of borehole data, hydrogeological expertise and live telemetry feeds, our unique modelling tracks actual borehole levels, weather forecasts and maps risk predictions up to 90 days in advance.

Benefits

  • Advanced warning of groundwater flood risks enables smarter resilience planning
  • Provides critical answers on when and how long flooding could occur
  • Bespoke mapping and reporting places your assets in the context of the likely future risk
  • Technical support and expert analysis from in-house hydrogeologists delivers targeted advice for your management response

For more information on our unique GWFlood contact us today.

Further Information

GWFlood FAQs

What timescale are forecasts delivered on?

We update our forecast every working day. This is sufficient when there are no imminent groundwater flooding incidents. If incidents are likely, or are occurring then we increase the service to daily, then twice daily. A weekly synopsis of the outlook for groundwater flooding is prepared by our experienced hydrogeologists in support of the daily forecasts.

How are forecasts delivered?

Forecasts are provided on a regional scale for river catchments and sub-catchments. If you are interested in a particular community, or assets then the forecast can be delivered for each.We send you:

  1. The probability of groundwater flooding within 15 days.
  2. The most likely timescale (<15 days) until flooding commences.
  3. The quickest possible timescale in which flooding might commence.

We send the daily forecasts by email, which will include a link to download the forecast as a data file and catchment risk map. We also provide a web mapping interface.

A weekly synopsis report is provided reviewing the outlook and current groundwater situation with accompanying forecast groundwater hydrographs. The potential impact and duration of groundwater flooding events is reviewed as part of the report.

What file types do you use to send the forecasts?

We currently deliver as csv files (one line for each catchment), ESRI shapefiles, and PNG images. In addition the web mapping interface gives a spatial overview of the forecast. Other file types can be delivered on request.

What is the spatial resolution?

Our standard forecast is delivered for 302 river catchments across southern and south east England (soon to be c. 500 catchments from southern England to Yorkshire). But if you have a particular asset, community or location we can provide a specific forecast.

I have one principal asset - can you provide a forecast for that?

Yes – for a small set-up fee in addition to the annual licence we can enter your location into the system and generate a daily forecast for your specific location, community or asset.

Is this a risk map?

A base map is used to highlight the forecast for groundwater flood-prone river valleys. The GeoSmart Groundwater Flood Risk Map can be used in tandem with the forecasts to highlight the particular locations within a catchment that might be at risk.

How does the system work?

The GeoSmart groundwater forecast model combines historic climate and borehole data plus live telemetry feeds and daily updates of the most accurate ensemble weather forecasts. We use predicted groundwater levels to map risk predictions over a range of time scales for 5, 15, 30 and up to 90 days in advance. As with any weather forecast the uncertainty in the predictions increases with the extent of forward prediction. Results indicate the percentage likelihood that groundwater flooding will occur within the prescribed time period and potential flooding duration.

What are threshold levels?

Threshold levels are set relative to the forecast groundwater elevations to indicate the likely onset of groundwater flooding. Where required additional threshold levels can be set by the client for specific assets or communities.

What subscriptions are available?

You can subscribe to get a forecast for one location, or on a wider regional scale. Contact us for licensing costs.

See what our customers have to say...

"During the conveyancing process for my current house purchase, I was extremely concerned to find the general search results revealed the house was at '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 specific and focused. The staff member who talked me through the information and maps provided was very knowledgeable, answered all my questions and allowed me plenty of time to discuss issues. Thanks to GeoSmart for their great service."
Linda Barton
"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"
Gregory Gray
Gregory Gray Associates
"I would like to say that dealing with GeoSmart was a seamless experience from beginning to end - thank you for that"
Martin Lloyd
Martin Lloyd Associates
"Everyone involved from initial approach to receipt of report was knowledgeable, efficient and focused"
Robert McCall
OeMO Ltd
"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"
Nigel Slack
Michael Eyres Partnership LLP
"The service was great, fast and efficient. Everyone we talked to was very helpful and the details were well received by the planners"
Ben Thorns
Solid Digital Marketing Ltd
"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"
Craig Roberts
Hunter Page
"Efficient and friendly service, GeoSmart provided a clear and concise report within the timescales advised. Great service and I would have no problem recommending"
Geraint Harris
Vitec Consult
"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"
Alan Gunne-Jones
Planning & Development Associates
"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"
John Childs
Private Developer
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