With high stakes like these, we at Flood Solutions UK know there’s little room for error when it comes to flood protection. In this blog, we’ll explore why independent testing matters, and which quality accreditations you should look for when assessing flood defence products.
What is independent testing?
Independent testing refers to the process of having a product assessed and verified by an impartial third-party organisation, one with no stake in the product’s commercial success. Unlike in-house testing, which may vary in quality or scope, independent testing is carried out under controlled conditions and against recognised industry standards. In the context of flood protection, this means rigorously evaluating how a barrier or system performs under pressure, exposure to water, and real-life conditions. The result is unbiased evidence that a product will do what it promises, offering peace of mind before a flood ever occurs.
Examples of Independent Testing Bodies for Flood Solution Products
- British Standards Institution (BSI)
BSI is the UK’s national standards body and offers product testing and certification under schemes like the Kitemark, including for flood defence products.
Website: https://www.bsigroup.com
- BRE (Building Research Establishment)
BRE provides independent research, testing, and certification services across construction and infrastructure sectors—including flood resilience.
Website: https://www.bregroup.com
- HR Wallingford
HR Wallingford is an independent research and consultancy organisation specialising in water and environmental management. They are recognised for their advanced flood testing facilities and data-driven assessments.
Website: https://www.hrwallingford.com
The risks of untested products
Without independent testing, there’s no reliable way to know how a flood protection product will perform when it matters most. Claims made by manufacturers may be based on limited in-house trials (or none at all) leaving buyers exposed to serious risk. For property owners, facilities managers, or anyone responsible for flood resilience, choosing a product without verified performance data is a gamble that’s rarely worth taking.
What quality marks should you look for?
What matters most is that you understand how a product has been tested and proven in real-world conditions. At Flood Solutions UK, we work with products that are designed for reliable, practical deployment, and we’re always happy to talk through performance data and suitability for your site.
Contact us today to speak to an expert.
