Northamptonshire project celebrated for Digital Excellence at the Flood & Coast Awards 2024

This recognition celebrates two project innovations. The first is the development of cutting-edge computer models to help build better understanding of the risk of flooding from multiple sources. The second is the creation of an innovative web-based mapping tool that provides a comprehensive view of flood risks across Harpers Brook and Wootton Brook catchments, which is helping with the delivery of its resilience measures and community engagement.

Developed by HR Wallingford, the multi-source computer models represent a novel approach to understanding the flood risk since they combine data and models from three of the Risk Management Authorities into a single system. Traditionally assessed separately, the county councils and unitary authorities are concerned with surface water flooding, the Environment Agency with river flooding and the water company with urban drainage flooding; our innovative model recognises the interchange between all three systems and enables the identification of measures to tackle flooding from all sources.

The intelligent web platform, developed by HR Wallingford, working closely with the project team, combines data and results from the models into a collaborative, map-based workspace. This allows the project to address resilience in a holistic way and to implement effective measures, such as PFR and Natural Flood Management (NFM) initiatives where they provide the greatest benefit.

Alan Ryan, Project Lead for the RAIN Project, explains: “Our model offers a revolutionary way to visualise, understand and manage flood risks by assessing how urban drainage systems, surface water, and river systems interact during extreme weather events. This allows us to help communities be better prepared for potential flooding but also to implement effective, community-centred measures.”

By combining flood models, shared data, and real-world experiences, RAIN enables stakeholders to identify and implement the best strategies for flood resilience. As a result, the project is actively involving residents and landowners, offering them resources and measures to better prepare for and respond to future flooding events.

Mike Panzeri, Technical Director at HR Wallingford, adds: “Climate change, urban development and aging infrastructure are making it increasingly difficult to manage flood risk using traditional methods. Digital innovations, such as our multi-source models and collaborative web platform, can help build communities that are more resilient to flooding in the future.”

The RAIN Project is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.