As a landowner, you are responsible for ensuring that any private drainage and natural watercourses, such as rivers or streams on your land, do not contribute to flooding on your own or neighbouring land. Here’s what you need to do.
Maintain private flood defences
You are responsible for the upkeep of any private flood defences on your land, including ensuring that private drainage systems such as ditches, culverts, or watercourses function correctly. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent blockages that could cause flooding. The Environment Agency provides guidance on maintaining these systems and protecting your land from flood risks.
Manage watercourses and bodies of water
If you have watercourses (rivers, streams) or bodies of water (ponds, lakes) within or bordering your property, it is your duty to maintain them. This includes clearing debris, repairing embankments, and ensuring the water flows without obstruction. Landowners are often referred to as 'riparian owners' if they own land adjacent to a watercourse, and specific responsibilities are outlined by the Environment Agency for such owners. Failure to manage watercourses properly can result in legal penalties if flooding occurs as a result.
Register reservoirs
If you own a large, raised reservoir (defined as holding over 25,000 cubic metres of water), you must legally register it with the Environment Agency. This is crucial for ensuring it meets safety standards and that you are managing any flood risks posed by the reservoir. Even smaller reservoirs, although not subject to registration, must be maintained to prevent potential flood hazards.
Mitigate flood risk from small reservoirs
Although small reservoirs (those below the 25,000 cubic metre threshold) don’t require registration, you are still responsible for their maintenance. If these structures are not managed, they can cause flooding downstream. Regular inspections and maintenance can help minimise flood risk, and you can find further advice on GOV.UK - Reservoir owner and operator guidance: inspection information pack.
Additional resources
Managing flood risk as a riparian owner
As a riparian owner, you have specific responsibilities to manage the watercourses bordering or running through your land. Failure to do so can lead to legal actions if flooding occurs due to poor maintenance. For more details, visit the Environment Agency's guidance.
Land Drainage Act responsibilities
The Land Drainage Act outlines your legal obligations concerning the maintenance of drainage systems. It’s important to ensure that any works on your land do not adversely impact neighbouring properties or public areas by increasing flood risks.
Reservoir safety and regulations
For more detailed guidance on managing reservoirs, both large and small, consult the Environment Agency's reservoir safety information.