Flooding
Section 19 flood investigations
We investigate significant flood incidents when we need to, as part of our role as the lead local flood authority.
These investigations are known as Section 19 investigations. They look at what happened, which organisations have flood risk management responsibilities, and what actions they may take.
About Section 19 investigations
Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, we have a duty to investigate significant flood incidents.
Section 19 of the Act says lead local flood authorities must investigate flood incidents where necessary. We decide this using the flood investigation criteria in our local flood risk management strategy.
A Section 19 investigation aims to identify:
- which flood risk management authorities or other organisations have relevant responsibilities
- what actions they have taken, or may take, because of the flooding
What a Section 19 investigation does not cover
Section 19 investigations are complex and usually take about one year to complete. We usually publish a report when the investigation is finished.
An investigation does not include:
- a detailed analysis of flood risk
- a detailed study of how the flooding happened
- hydraulic modelling
- options to reduce or prevent flooding
A Section 19 investigation also does not give us powers to require any organisation or person to carry out work.
When an investigation is complete, we tell relevant stakeholders, including flood risk management authorities, about the conclusions and recommendations.
Completed Section 19 reports
You can download the completed Section 19 flood investigation report.