Flood risk across Bedfordshire
The Great Ouse winds through Bedford and the north of the county, and river flooding is the main risk along it and the Ivel. In the south, Luton and Dunstable sit on chalk, where surface water and groundwater can be more of a concern than rivers.
Flood zones only show river and sea flooding, and they ignore flood defences. Surface water and reservoir risk aren’t part of the zones – check them on the Environment Agency’s long-term flood risk service, or get the full report, which covers every source.
Rivers that shape local flood risk
Main rivers are managed by the Environment Agency. Smaller watercourses and drainage are the responsibility of Bedford Borough Council and landowners.
River Great Ouse – Bedford and the villages upstream
River Ivel – Biggleswade and Sandy
River Flit – Flitwick and Shefford
River Lea – Rises in Luton
River Ouzel – Leighton Buzzard
Who manages flood risk here
Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and Luton Borough Council are the Lead Local Flood Authorities, responsible for surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. The Environment Agency manages main rivers and the sea, and issues flood warnings. The same councils also decide planning applications – and asks for a flood risk assessment in Flood Zones 2 and 3.
Getting a written answer for an address
The free check describes the area around your postcode. For a specific property, the full report checks your exact address against every flood dataset and gives you a dated PDF to share with your surveyor, conveyancer or insurer.
For planning decisions, your local council has the final say.
