Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

What is my responsibility as an owner of land with a watercourse?

Answer:

• As the owner of land with a watercourse you have the responsibility to allow the flow of water without obstruction, pollution or diversion affecting the rights of others.
• You have the responsibility to accept the flood flows through your land, even if caused by inadequate capacity downstream, as there is no common law duty to improve a watercourse.
• It is also your responsibility for maintaining the bed and the banks of the watercourse (including any trees and shrubs growing on the banks) and for clearing any debris, natural or otherwise, including litter and animal carcasses even if it did not originate from your land.
• You must not cause any obstruction to the free passage of fish.
• Rivers and their banks should not be used for the disposal of any form of garden or other waste.

Contact for further information: Land Drainage Engineer, telephone: 01432 260788 or see the Public Rights of Way section.

Last Updated: 08 May 08,

Review Date: 20 September 2005