Understanding how people experience flooding – and how prepared they feel – is central to everything we do.
Our flood research and community surveys help us measure the impact of our work, identify where more support is needed, and shape how we respond to flooding across Hull and the East Riding.
Since 2018, hundreds of residents across our region have shared their experiences of flooding with us. Their stories and responses have guided our work – and continue to do so.
2025 Living With Water Household Survey
Our most recent flood risk survey was carried out in 2025, following up on surveys completed in 2018 and 2019. We wanted to understand how people’s attitudes to – and experiences of – flooding have changed over time, and to assess the impact of the work Living With Water has delivered in communities across the region.
Hundreds of residents took part, sharing their experiences of flooding and reflecting on how it has affected their lives, their health and their communities. The results are currently being analysed and will be published here soon.
Hull Household Flood Survey 2018
Led by the University of Hull, this flood research project surveyed 450 households across three areas of Hull affected by the 2007 floods. It is one of the most detailed studies of flood experience and community resilience ever carried out in the city.
Residents were asked about their experiences of flooding in 2007 and 2013, whether they currently feel at risk, and what steps – if any – they have taken to protect their homes. The findings painted a clear picture of a community still living with the aftermath of 2007, and highlighted where more support and engagement was needed.
Haltemprice Household Flood Survey 2019/20
Again led by the University of Hull, a separate study examined the impact of flooding in 2007 on the Haltemprice ward of Hull.
Haltemprice was severely impacted by surface water flooding in 2007, has suffered a number of subsequent flood events, and is vulnerable to further flooding.
Over 150 households in Haltemprice shared their experiences of flooding, helping the University's experts to form a new summary report.
Key findings from the two surveys
More than a third of households surveyed had yet to take any steps to better protect themselves from future flood events.
Only 16% of people in Hull feel prepared for a flood.
Many residents reported lasting emotional and practical impacts from the 2007 floods, more than a decade later.
Why this flood research matters
Our flood research is not just about gathering data. It is about listening to the people who have lived through flooding and making sure their experiences shape the work we do.
The findings from our surveys have directly influenced how Living With Water engages with communities, where we target our investment, and how we communicate flood risk to residents across Hull and the East Riding. Every project we deliver is informed by what people tell us.
We are committed to continuing this work. As the results of our 2025 survey are published, we will update this page with the latest findings.
Frequently asked questions
Our flood research helps us understand how residents experience flooding, how prepared they feel and what impact our work is having in communities across Hull and the East Riding. Without this insight, it would be much harder to target our efforts where they are needed most.
Our surveys are led or supported by the University of Hull, one of the five partners in the Living With Water partnership. The University brings academic rigour to the research, ensuring findings are robust, impartial and meaningful.
Hundreds of residents across Hull and the East Riding have taken part in our flood risk surveys since 2018. Participants were drawn from communities directly affected by flooding – including areas impacted by the 2007 and 2013 flood events.
Our earlier flood research found that more than a third of households surveyed had yet to take steps to protect themselves from future flooding, and that only 16% of people in Hull feel prepared for a flood. Residents also shared the lasting emotional impact of past flood events – findings that have directly shaped how Living With Water supports communities.
The results of our 2025 Living With Water Household Survey are currently being analysed. We will publish the findings on this page as soon as they are available. Sign up to our newsletter to be notified when they are released.
Survey findings directly inform how we engage with communities, where we target investment and how we communicate flood risk. They also help us measure the impact of our work over time – comparing attitudes and behaviours before and after our projects are delivered.
We carry out surveys periodically across different communities in Hull and the East Riding. Sign up to our newsletter and follow Living With Water on social media to hear about future research opportunities and other ways to get involved.
