Flood risk across Staffordshire
The River Trent rises in north Staffordshire and is joined by the Sow, the Tame and the Dove on its way to Burton. River flooding is the main risk along these valleys, while surface water from heavy rain affects towns such as Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford.
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 Staffordshire County Council and landowners.
River Trent – Stoke-on-Trent, Rugeley and Burton upon Trent
River Sow – Stafford
River Tame – Tamworth
River Dove – Uttoxeter and the Derbyshire border
River Churnet – Leek
Who manages flood risk here
Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City 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. Your district or borough council 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.
