The chance (probability) of flooding can be reduced through operating and maintaining control structures and defences. These are sometimes known as 'hard' defences.
Control structures include weirs, sluices and pumping stations. These control the flow of water.
Flood defences also include embankments, walls and groynes. Some defences may only be brought into operation when a high tide or flood is forecast or in progress. An example is the Thames Barrier in London.
Every year about £150 million is spent on improving existing defences in England and Wales.
There is a change towards more natural methods of dealing with floodwater using 'soft' defences including wetlands and saltmarshes. These places provide space for floodwater and prevent flooding from occurring elsewhere. At the same time, these methods can benefit wildlife by providing more habitat and they require less investment and maintenance.
This page has information about the engineering options for Uckfield. These include an explanation of return periods, the options and a benefit-cost exercise. Newspaper articles illustrate the difficulties in reaching agreement over the installation of a low wall in Uckfield.
Uckfield Case Study: Engineering Solutions
Downloads
Hydrograph - Flow Downstream (Effective Storage)
(83k)
note: this file requires Microsoft Powerpoint.
Hydrograph - Flow Downstream (Insufficient Capacity)
(83k)
note: this file requires Microsoft Powerpoint.
See also:
- What flood events are likely in the future?
- What solutions are proposed in the Flood Management Plan?
<<< back to Flood Risk Management page
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