View our Policy Statement on Flood and Coastal Defence .

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has policy responsibility for flood and coastal defence in England. However, delivery is the responsibility of a number of flood and coastal defence "operating authorities" i.e. in this district, the Environment Agency, Suffolk County Council, Waveney District Council and the Internal Drainage Boards.

Responsibilities differ according to the type of operating authority and Waveney District Council's responsibilities are set out in our Policy Statement on Flood and Coastal Defence .


Flood Risk

The Environment Agency’s indicative floodplain maps provide a general overview of areas of land in natural floodplains that are at risk of flooding from rivers, streams or the sea. However, these maps do not cover flooding from other sources such as groundwater flooding, road drains, run-off from hillsides or sewer overflows, as this type of flooding can occur almost anywhere depending on the pattern of the rainfall. The maps indicate the risk of flooding within the natural floodplain and do not take account of protection provided by flood defences.
The maps are available from The Environment Agency's own website (opens new window).

In the Event of a Flood

If you have already suffered internal flooding to your property, it is too late for the council to help. You should take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the occupants and make the property safe.

• Contact your insurance company.
• Advice is available from Environment Agency.

If your house is at imminent risk of flooding, the council will endeavour to assist if appropriate and if resources permit.

In serious emergency situations the council will, in association with other authorities and emergency services, provide such assistance as it can.





Further information can be found in the Flood section of the Environment Agency's own website (opens new window).