Protecting Key Infrastructure from Flooding – Civil Contingencies Act. What can you do when the lights go out or the tap runs dry?
Travis, M., Enzygo Ltd
(free)
KEY WORDS
Flood Protection, Critical Infrastructure, Civil Contingencies Act, Geographical Information
Systems
ABSTRACT
Flooding has, in recent years, caused an increased awareness for the provision of utility services
during flood events with a 100 and 200 year return period. With utility infrastructure being at risk
of flooding, the issue is causing increased concern due to the costs of protection and ability to
provide continuity of critical infrastructure during flood events.
With changes in weather patterns and increasingly wetter winters with higher rainfall events,
water and wastewater infrastructure is at risk of being flooded and unable to distribute potable
water or dispose of wastewater. The Civil Contingencies Act has placed an onus on utility
companies to protect their infrastructure from flooding and ensure a level of service to their
customers.
In Yorkshire alone 136 sewage treatment works serving two million people, were flooded during
June 2007. The Mythe Water Treatment Works, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire was shut down and
alternative water supply sources had to be found including bottled and bowser supplies at a cost
to the Water Plc..
The most commonly used protection options range from protecting the entire site, to individual
pieces of equipment, re-engineering to ensure electrics and vulnerable assets are placed above
critical flood levels.
