Flood and Water Management Act 2010

This places a duty on local authorities and other organisations, including the Environment Agency (England), Natural Resources Body for Wales, and water companies, to manage flood risk, including coastal erosion, where applicable.

Local authorities, as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), are responsible for producing a local flood risk management strategy; (Sections 9 and 10).

A flood risk assessment for surface water run-off and groundwater is required when new building and construction work is carried out, for example, for the construction of a 3G sports pitch (see Schedule 3, S. 7).

One aim of the Act is for it “to make a contribution towards the achievement of sustainable development.”; (Section 27 (1)).

Sustainable drainage must be implemented (Section32) with this being described in Schedule 3 (S.2) as “managing rainwater (including snow and other precipitation) with the aim of—
(a) reducing damage from flooding,
(b) improving water quality,
(c) protecting and improving the environment,
(d) protecting health and safety, and
(e) ensuring the stability and durability of drainage systems.”