A new service that allows householders and businesses to monitor river levels during a potential flood has been launched by the Environment Agency.
More and more homes and businesses have their own property-level flood defences and the new service will help those to make decisions on when to install flood boards and gates.
In the current hot weather it will also show low river levels, encouraging people to use this precious resource wisely.
The service at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/riverlevels enables the public to monitor river and sea levels at over 1,700 locations across England and Wales. The data will complement personalised phone and text message alerts from the organisation’s free flood warning service.
Over five million people in England and Wales are at risk from flooding from rivers and the sea. Those in flood risk areas should sign up to the Environment Agency’s free flood warning system – the most immediate and localised source of information on flooding – by calling 0845 988 1188 or visiting www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood.
The Environment Agency is also encouraging recreational river users, especially boaters and anglers, to check river levels before they set off. Beachgoers will also be able to access up-to-date information on sea levels.
Geoff Boyd, the Environment Agency’s Flood Risk Manager in the South West, said: “Our new service is there to help people, communities and businesses make informed decisions about how to respond to potential flooding. It will also be a valuable source of up to date information for boaters, surfers and other water users.”
Lin Noakes, Rugeley around 1 year, 7 months ago