Flood risk across West Midlands
The West Midlands is England's second-largest urban area, so surface water from intense rain is the most widespread flood risk. Rivers such as the Tame, the Rea and the Cole run through built-up areas of Birmingham and the Black Country, and the Sowe and Sherbourne through Coventry.
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 Birmingham City Council and landowners.
River Tame – Walsall, Sandwell and north Birmingham
River Rea – South and central Birmingham
River Cole – East Birmingham and Solihull
River Sowe and River Sherbourne – Coventry
River Stour – Dudley and Stourbridge
Who manages flood risk here
Birmingham City Council, Coventry City Council, Dudley Council, Sandwell Council, Solihull Council, Walsall Council and City of Wolverhampton 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.
