Floodviewer
We’ve got an ongoing programme to help us understand what would happen in areas of Hamilton if we had a very large, and rare, amount of rain, and where stormwater is expected to flow when stormwater pipes become blocked, their capacity is exceeded or where there is no piped network.
When we produce new or updated data about these potential flood effects on properties in the city, we’re required by law to make this publicly available upon request (generally through a LIM). We use an online tool, Floodviewer, to host Councils best available catchment-based data and make it more readily accessible to the public.
The tool shows:
- Flood hazards/extent – this is the land where flooding is likely to occur during very heavy rainfall (one-in 100-year-event).
- Overland flow path - these are the paths water will try to flow when our piped network becomes blocked, is exceeded or where there is no piped network.
- Depression Areas – these are areas that can fill up with water during heavy rain, either because pipes and culverts are blocked or full, or the natural contours of the ground limit the ability for water to flow away.
You can search Floodviewer by property address but before you check it out, we recommend you read the guidance and FAQ’s linked below. Floodviewer holds a lot of information and can seem quite complex for people not used to working with Council mapping systems.
- A brief “How-to” guide has been prepared for using Floodviewer, this is available by clicking here.
- There is also a practice note available by clicking here that pulls together answers to key frequently asked questions, including how Council models flooding, what the maps show and how to find detailed or updated data, and how to request a review of the data for a specific site.
- For less common and more detailed questions we have a fuller set of answers, this is available by clicking here.
If you have any questions regarding your property or future plans for development, we’re here to help. Please contact one of the following:
- Regarding Floodviewer and flood data: 07 838 6699 or by email to info@hcc.govt.nz
- Regarding resource consents: Duty Planner via Customer Services 07 838 6699
- Regarding building consents: Building Call Centre 07 838 6677
- Regarding Floodviewer and flood data: 07 838 6699 or by email to info@hcc.govt.nz
For information on being prepared for floods please visit Civil Defence.
