Watercourses

Water originating from groundwater, springs and run-off from fields gather to form watercourses. They can be rivers, streams, ditches and underground pipes (called culverts).

Main rivers are large watercourses and are managed by the Environment Agency. All other watercourses (called Ordinary Watercourses) are the responsibility of the landowner but are regulated by us.

We also provide consultancy and advice services for clients on drainage and watercourse matters, including:

  • establishing responsibility for the maintenance of watercourses
  • providing technical guidance on drainage best practice
  • advising landowners of work required to prevent or reduce the risk of flooding including enforcement powers to ensure adequate maintenance is undertaken
  • assessment of proposals to divert watercourses

Please get in touch with us to find out more.