Flood risk across County Durham
County Durham's two big rivers, the Wear and the Tees, drain the North Pennines and can rise quickly after heavy rain on the moors. River flooding is the main risk in the valley towns, while surface water affects former mining villages and urban streets across the county.
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 Durham County Council and landowners.
River Wear – Durham, Bishop Auckland and Chester-le-Street
River Tees – Barnard Castle and the southern boundary
River Derwent – The northern edge near Consett
River Gaunless – West Auckland and Bishop Auckland
River Browney – Joins the Wear south of Durham
Who manages flood risk here
Durham County 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.
