What is a hydraulic survey, and when is it needed?
A hydraulic survey collects detailed site data related to water flow, drainage structures, and surface levels. It’s typically required when designing stormwater systems, assessing flood risk, or planning developments near creeks, rivers, or other water-affected areas.
Do I need a flood survey for my development application (DA)?
If your property is located in a flood-prone area, within a catchment zone, or near a natural watercourse, local councils often require a flood survey as part of the DA process. The survey helps assess potential flood impacts and ensures your design complies with council requirements.
What information does a flood study or hydraulic survey include?
Depending on your project, surveys may include site contours, stormwater pit and pipe locations, invert levels, overland flow paths, catchment boundaries, watercourse locations, and verified flood levels. All data is collected to support accurate engineering analysis and design.
How long does it take to get a hydraulic or flood survey completed?
At MCS Surveyors, we offer the fastest turnaround times in the industry. Most surveys are completed within a few business days, depending on site size and project complexity. We prioritise urgent projects and always aim to keep your timeline on track.
In what formats will I receive my survey data?
Survey data can be provided in a variety of formats, including PDF plans, DWG/CAD files, and TIN (triangulated surface) files, depending on what your engineers or designers need. We ensure all outputs are structured and ready for integration into hydraulic modelling or drainage design tools.
Do you provide flood level verification for existing properties?
Yes, we offer flood level verification surveys to confirm existing flood data, assess compliance with council floor level requirements, or support insurance and planning documentation.
Can you supply data suitable for hydraulic modelling software?
Yes. We provide survey data in formats compatible with common engineering and hydraulic modelling platforms, including TIN files for 12d Model, Civil 3D, and other drainage design tools. Let us know your software preferences and we’ll ensure the data is ready to integrate seamlessly.
What’s the difference between a topographic survey and a hydraulic survey?
While both involve capturing elevation and site features, a hydraulic survey specifically focuses on elements that affect water flow, such as stormwater infrastructure, watercourses, invert levels and catchment details. A topographic survey may form part of a hydraulic survey but won’t always include drainage-specific information unless requested.
