The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have published new surface water flood maps, which for the first time include small watercourses. This new level of detail provides Scotland with the most detailed and accurate picture of where flooding could occur from heavy rainfall.
Flooding is Scotland’s biggest climate adaption challenge, and these maps mark a major step forward in helping communities and businesses understand the flood risk in an area, and what the impacts could be when surface water flooding happens, to help protect lives, properties and communities.
The maps, developed with JBA Consulting, provide comprehensive coverage across Scotland, with the most accurate detail to date, utilising the latest science, data and information on climate change. By integrating the latest rainfall data and climate change projections they reflect more accurately the areas likely to be affected by surface water during heavy rainfall. SEPA have also worked collaboratively with local authorities and other partners to incorporate local knowledge throughout the production and review of the maps.
The publication of the surface water maps supports the implementation of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 and was a focus under Climate Resilience in our Annual operating plan for 24-25.
Please visit SEPA’s flooding pages for information on how to prepare for flooding as well as interactive maps and other data to check the risk of flooding. You may also wish to recommend via social to your community that they sign up to receive free flood updates and advice for their local area through our Floodline service, available on the same webpage.