Water and Environment
Metis’s Water and Environment services helps communities, local authorities and infrastructure providers respond to the growing challenges of climate change, urbanisation, and ageing drainage systems. By combining engineering expertise with environmental insight, we design solutions that are sustainable, resilient and tailored to the needs of each place.
We embed sustainability at the heart of every project. From nature‑based solutions to long‑term climate resilience strategies, our team helps clients reduce carbon, enhance biodiversity and deliver schemes that protect both people and the environment.
Using integrated, data‑led approaches, we assess future climate pressures and design interventions that create healthier, more adaptable urban environments.
Our Range of Water and Environment Services
- Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
- Feasibility and option studies
- Funding support and applications
- Natural flood management (NFM) solutions
- Early options assessment, prioritisation and business case writing
- Stakeholder and public consultation and engagement
- Flood alleviation
- Policy development, guidance and planning for flood and water management
- Contract administration, preparation, tender and procurement
- Nature-based and urban greening solutions
- Flood investigations
- Project management
- Flood risk assessments and drainage strategies
- Flood modelling and mapping
- Drainage studies, analysis, design and implementation
Our Core Offerings
Water Engineering 
Flood Risk Management Consultancy 
Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) Duties 
Detailed Design and Construction 
Project and Programme Management -
Metis’s specialists deliver high quality water engineering design across all stages of a project.
We design flood alleviation schemes, river restoration projects, highway drainage and foul drainage systems, and a wide range of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) – including wetlands, rain gardens, bioretention features and attenuation systems. Whether working with local authorities or utility companies, we provide solutions that improve water quality, manage runoff sustainably, and support planning compliance and Environmental Agency permits.
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Metis provides end‑to‑end flood risk management services, from catchment‑scale assessments to the delivery of engineered mitigation schemes.
Our work includes hydraulic modelling, flood investigations, cost-benefit analysis and the development of flood mitigation solutions and strategic programmes that help communities become safer and more resilient. We support our clients with the delivery and submission of business cases to obtain funding for their schemes.
By integrating environmental benefits, nature‑based measures and strong stakeholder engagement, we develop flood mitigation solutions that work technically and are widely supported.
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Metis works closely with Lead Local Flood Authorities to help them meet their statutory obligations.
Our team provides in-house support, development control services, reviews planning applications, and prepares key policy and strategy documents such as Local Flood Risk Management Strategies (LFRMS), Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (SFRAs), Surface Water Management Plans (SWMPs) and Section 19 Flood Investigations.
This support ensures that LLFAs are meeting their statutory roles and responsibilities and that planning decisions are robust, compliant, and aligned with long‑term local strategies to ensure suitable flood risk management.
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Metis delivers high‑quality water and environmental engineering services across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility through to detailed design up to and including construction support. We design and implement innovative, nature‑based solutions to reduce flood risk, enhance amenity, promote biodiversity and support community wellbeing.
Through evidence‑based design, strategic investigations and strong planning expertise, we help clients secure funding and deliver resilient, sustainable outcomes. Metis partners closely with local authorities, utility companies and developers to create safe, climate‑ready places for the future.
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Metis’s engineers and consultants manage projects of various scales – from early feasibility and funding applications to design, contract management, construction support and long‑term asset management.
We help establish and lead multidisciplinary flood risk and drainage programmes, integrating digital tools and transparent decision-making frameworks to deliver efficient, resilient outcomes. We also offer support for planning and securing Flood Risk Activity Permits (FRAPs). Our approach ensures clients have the confidence, clarity and technical expertise needed to navigate complex environmental challenges.
How We Help Clients
Tailored Water Engineering
Solutions
Our water engineering services are tailored to meet our clients’ needs. We work closely with them to deliver solutions from initial feasibility to final implementation. Our bespoke appraisal techniques ensure informed decision-making and effective hydraulic modelling.
This approach has enabled our clients to secure substantial external funding for their projects.
Innovative Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Design
We have extensive experience delivering traditional drainage engineering, but our passion lies in designing innovative SuDS. Our expertise and approach not only manage surface water and mitigate flooding but also enhance the natural and built environment and improve water quality.
We pride ourselves in assisting in the selection and providing the most effective SuDS solutions.
These include:
- Attenuation storage
- Rain gardens
- Ponds and wetlands
- Bioretention systems
- Infiltration systems
- Filter strips and drains
- Detention basins and swales
Strategic Collaboration with Local Flood Authorities
We collaborate with Lead Local Flood Authorities across the country, driving strategic programmes through bespoke Local Flood Risk Management Strategies. Our holistic approach recognises the interconnectedness of flood risk, transcending regional boundaries to deliver effective, sustainable solutions for local authorities.
Whether addressing issues in residential or public realm settings, our assessments and strategies are tailored to meet each client’s budget and comply with planning authorities’ requirements. Furthermore, our proven track record in accessing external funding underscores our commitment to enhancing local flood risk awareness and advancing mitigation schemes.
Case Studies
Lost Peck: providing flood alleviation for 111 properties in Peckham Rye
The Lost Peck Flood Alleviation Scheme reduces flooding risk to 111 properties in Peckham Rye, as well as the local Park & Common.
Metis designs and implements Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SuDS) for two Hounslow's Schools to mitigate flooding and deliver environmental benefits.
Supporting the Action for Silk Stream project
As part of a 6-year programme, the Metis team have been helping Harrow and Barnet councils with their Action for Silk Stream project throughout the Silk Stream catchment.