Help
Help information
Can I view the register full screen?
No. The register can only be viewed within the set frame.
Can I hide the search menu on the right?
No, the search menu on the right hand side is fixed.
Why can’t I view my own property?
The register is designed to support SEPA’s regulation of the reservoir industry and to support strategic level decision making. It is not suitable for assessing flood risk, including the flood risk to individual properties. The level of zoom has been set to reflect this.
The postcode or reservoir name is not recognised. How can I view the area I want to?
There are two search areas on the map. To the right, using the layers/search tab, you can search for the reservoir name or choose from the list. To the left of the screen there is a search tool that allows you to search by postcode, National Grid reference, town or feature such as Loch Lomond. You can also click on the map and drag to the area of interest.
Please note, not all reservoirs in Scotland are shown on the map. Only reservoirs above 25,000m3 are currently subject to regulation. Additionally, SEPA is implementing the Reservoirs (Scotland) Act 2011 in a phased approach and is publishing new reservoirs as the registration process is completed.
If you would like to discuss a reservoir that is registered with SEPA please contact us.
Why is the National Grid reference for a reservoir different from the one I supplied?
SEPA has adopted a consistent approach to identifying the National Grid reference for each reservoir across Scotland. This may be different from the one supplied by Reservoir Managers.
I want to see information for England and the border between Scotland and England. How do I get this?
Only reservoirs registered in Scotland will be shown on the register. To view information for England please visit the Environment Agency website .
Why can’t I zoom in past 1:38,000?
The register supports the regulation of reservoirs in Scotland and is not suitable for assessing flood risk. The level of zoom has been set to reflect this. This zoom was considered the most appropriate to show flooding information with sufficient background information for navigation without identifying properties.
Why can’t I view flooding from other sources?
The register is solely for the purposes of fulfilling SEPA’s regulatory role for reservoir safety in Scotland. Flood maps can be viewed from the flooding section of SEPA’s website.
Can information on the register be changed?
Reservoir managers may ask for changes to be made to information on the register in line with guidance issued by SEPA.
I have problems differentiating colours on the map. Can I get a different version or see it in a different format?
If you have problems seeing the information and need additional support please let us know by contacting reservoirs@sepa.org.uk or calling our Contact Centre 03000 99 66 99.
I don’t want a background map, can I remove this?
No, there must always be a background map on so that the information can be viewed and interpreted appropriately.
I want to export the data, can I do this?
The information is not available for exporting but you can print the reservoir inundation map. Any use of the information is subject to the terms and conditions agreed to upon viewing the register.
How do I print?
Click on ‘print map’ and this will generate a view of the reservoir inundation map. In its printed form the map is still subject to the terms and conditions agreed to.
The register looks strange on my computer.
The register should work in most browsers but you may experience difficulties on older versions of Internet Explorer (Internet Explorer 6 and older). If you are experiencing difficulty viewing the maps please contact SEPA for assistance (reservoirs@sepa.org.uk, 03000 99 66 99).
Can I use a smartphone or tablet to view the register?
The register is not configured for smartphones or tablets so some parts might not load correctly. We may produce a version suitable for smartphones and tablets in the future.
How do I know how up to date the register is?
Select ‘map creation dates’ from the top of the page, this shows when the register was last updated. The date shows the last upload of data however, information may have been submitted prior to this date that is not shown on the register. This is due to the process that is required to be undertaken before publication.
Why does the data sometimes not appear?
Some of the information is only available at a certain level. If you can’t see the information you have chosen, zoom in to the map and the data should appear.
Why is the register slow to load?
The speed of loading depends on the internet service provider and the computer you are using amongst other things. We have tested the usability of the maps to ensure they meet expected levels. Any maintenance or problems we are experiencing with the maps will be posted on the SEPA website.
Why can I see more than one reservoir inundation map for the same reservoir?
The reservoir inundation maps show the indicative area that may flood if an uncontrolled release of water occurs from a reservoir. The indicative area that may flood is comprised from all possible dam failure scenarios. For example, if a reservoir has more than one dam then the reservoir inundation map shows the areas that may flood during a separate uncontrolled release of water from each of the dams.
Why in some instances can I not see a reservoir on the background map upstream of the reservoir inundation map?
There are two reasons why this may occur. Firstly, the scale of the background map is such that smaller bodies of water may not be visible. Secondly, some types of reservoir may not be visible as an open body of water on the background map. Examples include flood storage reservoirs and reservoirs located underground.
How can I see information about a reservoir?
Information on an individual reservoir can be seen by clicking on the reservoir inundation map. When you click on a reservoir inundation map and it becomes highlighted in red, the results tab in the side bar is populated with information on the reservoir associated with the reservoir inundation map.
The reservoir inundation map looks like it covers more than one reservoir, what is happening here?
The reservoir inundation maps show the indicative area that may flood if an uncontrolled release of water occurs from a reservoir. In some cases the flooded area shown is made up of water from more than one reservoir. There are two reasons why this may occur. Firstly, in areas where there are groups of reservoirs located in close proximity to each other the indicative area that may flood is comprised from all possible uncontrolled releases of water. Secondly, this could also occur where it has been assumed that an uncontrolled release of water from an upstream reservoir could lead to an uncontrolled release of water from one or more reservoirs located downstream.
How have flood defences been represented in the reservoir inundation maps?
Ground levels for all features such as raised embankments have been taken from the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) used in the reservoir inundation mapping process. Flood defences have not been specifically represented in the reservoir inundation maps.
Why do some of the reservoir inundation maps end in a straight line when they meet an inland water body?
This is due to the way the inundation mapping process has been carried out to estimate the areas at risk of flooding from an uncontrolled release of water. The straight line at the downstream end of the reservoir inundation map represents the end of the area that has been included in this process. This boundary was set where it was clear that there would be no further downstream impact from an uncontrolled release of water.
Have the reservoir inundation maps been considered under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009?
No, the reservoir inundation maps have been produced to meet the requirements of the Reservoirs (Scotland) Act 2011.
Why in some instances is there an offset between the river channel highlighted by the reservoir inundation maps and the river channel shown on the background map?
During the reservoir inundation mapping process all features such as river channels have been taken from the Digital Terrain Model (DTM). In some instances features in the DTM do not align precisely with those shown on the background map due to slight differences in the distinct datasets.
How can I get more information or help?
For more information on the regulation of reservoir safety in Scotland please visit the Reservoirs section of the website or contact us