Water Engineering
At Metis, we are committed to safeguarding the communities in which our clients operate. Our expertise in Water Engineering enables us to offer tailored solutions to address their specific needs and challenges. We work with public and private sector clients, assessing and designing flood alleviation schemes, surface water drainage and green infrastructure, planning processes and public consultations.
The urgency for resilient water and flood risk infrastructure has increased due to climate change and population growth. We are dedicated to engineering and managing this valuable resource for the long term.
In 2024, we successfully merged our Water and Flood Risk Management teams. This ensures that each project receives a fully rounded Water Engineering service.
Services We Provide
- Flood investigation
- Flood risk assessments and drainage strategies
- Drainage studies, analysis, design, and implementation
- Flood alleviation schemes
- Policy development, guidance and planning for flood and water management
- Stakeholder and Public consultation and engagement
- Flood modelling and mapping
- Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and natural flood management solutions
- Nature-based and urban greening solutions
Our Core Offerings
Flood Alleviation Schemes (FAS) 
Drainage & SuDS - Options & Design 
Flood Risk Assessment 
Managed Service 
Strategies & Investigations 
Development Planning -
Whether a large-scale project or a smaller-scale initiative, we have the expertise to design and implement flood alleviation schemes that make a difference. We work with our clients through all stages of schemes from initial investigation, through detailed design and implementation. Our team works closely with you to understand your unique challenges and develop tailored solutions that mitigate flood risks effectively. We also help secure scheme support from stakeholders through funding applications and public consultations.
-
From traditional drainage systems to sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS), we offer comprehensive design services to address your drainage needs. Our approach focuses on simplicity and effectiveness, delivering solutions that solve complex problems while minimising environmental impact.
We have extensive experience selecting and implementing effective Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). Our range of solutions includes attenuation storage, rain gardens, ponds, wetlands, bioretention systems, infiltration systems, filter strips and drains, detention basins, and swales. Our focus is not only on managing surface water and preventing flooding but also on enhancing the natural and built environment to improve water quality. Recently, we have also been involved in “daylighting” projects, which involve restoring culverted rivers to their natural state to reintroduce ecological habitats back into urban areas.
-
We have extensive experience in preparing flood risk assessments and strategies including those to secure planning consent for developments. We deliver effective, high-quality flood risk assessments and strategies by drawing upon all available information to provide the most well-informed decisions and solutions.
Our competencies include:
- Providing technical expertise and support for flood risk solutions
- Providing expert guidance in securing planning permission for applications to LLFA’s
- Developing Flood Evacuation Plans
- Provide project-specific drainage requirement capabilities
-
Since 2010, we’ve been helping clients establish and manage flood risk management teams, providing invaluable support and expertise every step of the way. From identifying flood mitigation schemes to securing funding and fostering partnerships, we’re committed to ensuring your community is prepared for potential flood events.
-
We offer investigations and strategies in various contexts. Our team is committed to developing strong flood risk management strategies and surface water management plans. We conduct thorough investigations to understand the causes of flooding incidents and provide actionable recommendations to reduce future risks. Our expertise in hydraulic modelling is particularly valuable for evaluating current conditions, the impact of proposed interventions, and most importantly, protecting properties from flooding. Additionally, we help shape local planning policies to promote sustainable development and resilience against climate change. Our experience working with local authorities and others allows us to take a collaborative approach, providing efficiencies and comprehensive solutions for our clients. These services can be tailored for any project to provide expertly designed solutions as needed.
-
We advocate for the inclusion of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in major development projects, reviewing surface water drainage proposals and assessing their compliance with local policies. Our strategic flood risk assessments help shape planning policies, incorporating the latest flood risk mapping data and considering the impacts of climate change.
We provide development control services for several lead local flood authorities (LLFAs), reviewing major and minor planning applications to ensure compliance with sustainable drainage and flood risk policies. We also prepare policy and guidance documents including Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (SFRAs), Surface Water Management Plans (SWMPs) and Supplementary Planning Documents and undertake Section 19 Flood Investigation reports for our clients.
How We Help Clients
Tailored Water Engineering
Solutions
Our water engineering solutions 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
Metis designs and implements Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SuDS) for two Hounslow's Schools to mitigate flooding and deliver environmental benefits.
SuDS for Carden Primary School
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA), a government-funded public body, and The Aquifer Partnership (TAP) identified the opportunity to provide SuDS within potential flooding areas within the South Downs.
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.