Even more concerning, this figure could escalate to 8 million by mid-century – meaning one in four properties could be vulnerable to flooding. 

Surface Water Crisis: A Growing Threat 

The Environment Agency’s latest assessments show that surface water flooding alone threatens 4.6 million properties, with projections indicating a 43% increase to 6.1 million people affected between 2040-2060.  

This surge in flood risk, coupled with growing subsidence concerns, presents unprecedented challenges for property owners and infrastructure managers across Britain. 

Critical Infrastructure at Risk 

William Vennard, Business Unit Director at Lucion Surveys, highlights the severity of the situation:  

“With 38% of roads and 37% of railways currently at flood risk, we’re facing a critical infrastructure challenge. The interplay between flooding and subsidence poses a particularly serious threat to our built environment.” 

As climate patterns shift, Britain’s aging infrastructure faces mounting pressure. Urban drainage systems, designed for historical rainfall patterns, will increasingly struggle to cope with intense precipitation events.  

Understanding the Underground Impact 

“The challenge extends beyond visible flooding,” explains Andy Wise, Lucion Infrastructure Business Unit Director. “We’re witnessing how sustained water pressure affects subterranean networks, from utilities to foundations. Properties previously considered low-risk are now facing significant structural challenges.” 

The impact on underground infrastructure is particularly concerning. As water tables rise and soil conditions change, buried utilities face unprecedented stress. Historical pipework, often containing asbestos materials, becomes vulnerable to damage. 

Meanwhile, the shifting dynamics of soil stability create new challenges for foundation integrity, especially in areas previously unaccustomed to flooding. 

The Combined Threat: Flooding and Subsidence 

2.4 million properties are currently vulnerable to flooding from rivers and the sea, with projections suggesting this could rise to 3.1 million between 2036 and 2069.  

When floodwater saturates the ground, it can wash away soil particles, leaving foundations with uneven support and triggering subsidence-related issues such as cracked walls, distorted window frames, and uneven floors. 

Early identification of flood and subsidence risk is essential to ensure your property is ready to prevent flooding with flood mitigation measures. 

Flood & Subsidence Solutions

Lucion brings together industry-leading companies in environmental risk management, creating one of the UK’s most comprehensive service offerings. Our integrated approach combines traditional expertise with cutting-edge technology to address these emerging challenges.  

Our flood and subsidence services include: 

• Flood Risk Assessments & Mapping 
• Subsidence Monitoring 
• Soil Stability Testing & Analysis 
• Concrete Testing & Inspection 
• Detailed Drainage Assessments 
• GPR & CCTV Surveys 

Through this suite of services, our teams provide crucial insights into property stability and infrastructure resilience. We enable property owners to implement effective preventative measures before significant damage occurs. 

“Understanding the relationship between surface water management and ground stability is crucial,” notes Vennard. “Our holistic approach helps organisations not only identify current vulnerabilities but also prepare for future climate-related challenges.” 

By combining detailed geological analysis with monitoring technology, we provide property owners with comprehensive insights into potential risks and practical solutions for mitigation. 

Future-Proofing Your Development 

The upcoming March 2025 update to the Flood Map for Planning will provide crucial insights into how climate change may affect future flood risk from rivers and the sea.  

“The latest NaFRA data underscores what we’re seeing on the ground – a significant shift in flood risk patterns across the UK. What’s particularly concerning is the compound effect we’re observing, where increased surface water flooding is compromising already stressed drainage infrastructure.  

This isn’t just about immediate flood damage; it’s about long-term infrastructure resilience and property stability. Property owners need to think beyond traditional flood defences and consider integrated water management strategies that account for both surface water and groundwater dynamics.” 

– Rachel Shepherd, Associate – Water Services, Lucion. 

For property owners and managers concerned about these emerging risks, we have developed an interactive flood risk comparison tool allowing you to visualise new surface water and rivers & sea flood risk mapping data for your assets, providing crucial insights for future planning and protection strategies. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us to protect your property against these emerging challenges: 

Email: [email protected]  

Phone: +44 (0)345 5040 303