Flood risk across Rutland
England's smallest county is mostly rural, drained by the Gwash and the Chater towards the Welland. River flooding affects the low-lying land along these smaller rivers, and surface water from heavy rain is the more common risk in villages. Rutland Water is one of England's largest reservoirs, so reservoir flood risk is worth checking downstream of the dam.
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 Rutland County Council and landowners.
River Gwash – Rutland Water to Stamford
River Chater – South of Rutland Water
River Welland – The southern border
Eye Brook – The western border
Who manages flood risk here
Rutland 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.
