Flood risk across Bristol
The Severn estuary has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, and the tidal River Avon carries that risk into the heart of Bristol. Low-lying areas around the harbourside, Bedminster and Avonmouth are exposed to tidal flooding, and the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy plans new defences for the coming decades. The Frome and the Malago add river and surface water risk.
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 Bristol City Council and landowners.
River Avon – Tidal through the city centre to Avonmouth
River Frome – North and east Bristol, culverted in the centre
River Trym – Henbury and Sea Mills
Malago – Bedminster
Severn estuary – Avonmouth and the docks
Who manages flood risk here
Bristol City Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority, responsible for surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. The Environment Agency manages main rivers and the sea, and issues flood warnings. The same council also decides 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.
