Flood prevention
Are you a landowner with water running through, beneath or adjacent to your land?
If the answer’s yes, you probably already know that you’re responsible for that water. You are also responsible for maintaining the waterbed and banks.
This maintenance is vital. If a watercourse isn’t managed correctly, it could flood - putting people who use or walk alongside the water at significant risk.
What are landowners' responsibilities?
While you don’t have to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of flooding, you do need to ensure that your water flows naturally.
Your responsibilities can include:
Maintaining your section of watercourse.
Letting water flow naturally and not obstructing the flow to the detriment of your neighbour.
Not affecting the quantity or quality of the flow in a watercourse.
Keeping structures clear from obstructions and debris.
Not allowing the watercourse to become polluted.
Contacting the relevant authority to seek permission if you want to undertake any work in or around your watercourse.
Reporting incidents, these could include:
- Flooding
- Blockages
- Pollution
- Unusual changes in flow
- Collapsed or damaged banks
- Any activity on or near a watercourse that does not have permission
In an emergency
Call 999
What about coastal landowners?
If you own coastal land with a watercourse running through it, you have the same responsibilities as other watercourse owners.
Read more
Sustainable Drainage Schemes
SuDS slow down surface water and ultimately help to prevent flooding. They are often located in densely populated urban areas. Find out how to keep people safe.
Working near water
If employees must work over or near water, they must be professionally trained to do so. A safe system of work will need to be in place.