Annual Report 2023

Foreword

Councillor Jilly Jordan

Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment

Groundwater flooding has too long been left to one side, as being either too difficult, too unusual or perhaps too expensive to deal with. This is no longer acceptable as it is a major factor in considering flood risk. Project Groundwater is changing this and I’m delighted to see the progress that has been since its inception.

The project is developing industry leading applications and ideas to better manage groundwater flood risk. Soon, it will be possible to understand and quantify the scale and impact of groundwater flooding

These technical advances are a positive step forward, but they can only be successful if they have the support and buy-in of communities affected by groundwater flooding. This is key to Project Groundwater.I have been encouraged by the approach taken on the project to work with and alongside communities at every step. True co-creation of ideas with local communities will result in improved resilience to flooding, which is the goal of all our work on the project.

Collaboration with other authorities and organisations is key and I’m looking forward to seeing Project Groundwater grow through its participation in other projects. This year has seen significant progress towards ensuring its long-term impact with the proposed extension of the existing network of three groundwater flooding projects. In time, I hope that we will see the establishment of a national organisation that continues to share learning and direct the necessary focus on this lesser-known flooding, which can be so devastating.

The need for change in the sector is clear. I believe we are making decisive steps in the right direction to support communities across the country affected by groundwater flooding.

Find out more about Project Groundwater