Riparian Ownership Responsibilities

As a riparian owner, you are responsible for:
Maintaining your section of watercourse. You must maintain the bed and banks of your section of a watercourse, including trees and shrubs growing on the banks, and clearing anything which could cause an obstruction large enough to increase flood risk. Do not put grass cuttings or garden waste into the channel or on the banks. You must obtain relevant permission for any planned work on or near your watercourse.

• Ordinary Watercourses – Consult with your Lead Local Flood Authority or Internal Drainage Board
• Main River – Consult with the Environment Agency Letting water flow naturally and not obstructing the flow of a watercourse to the detriment of your neighbours. You may be liable for damages if your actions or lack of maintenance results in flooding someone else’s land or property.
  Not affecting the quantity or quality of the flow in a watercourse. You cannot discharge water into a watercourse without prior agreement and permission from the relevant risk management authority.
  Keeping structures clear from obstructions and debris. You must keep structures that you own or are responsible for, such as culverts, trash screens, weirs and mill gates, clear from obstructions and debris.
  Obtaining a licence to carry out any work that could temporarily or permanently change the level or flow of water and so be classed as an impoundment.
  Complying with all byelaws relating to the watercourses in your area.
  Not allowing the watercourse to become polluted. Refrain from throwing wastewater, chemicals or anything which could cause pollution into or on the banks of a watercourse.
  Protecting wildlife, not causing obstructions to migratory fish and preventing invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam or giant hogweed from spreading into the wild or onto neighbouring land.
  Reporting incidents such as flooding, blockages which could cause flooding, pollution, unusual changes in flow, collapsed or badly damaged banks or any activity on or near a watercourse that does not have permission.
  You can report incidents to the Environment Agency 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60. Reports can be made anonymously. The Environment Agency will attend incidents with a high risk of flood or environmental risk.