If you own land next to a river, stream, or ditch, you're known as a riparian landowner. You’re responsible for keeping water flowing through your land and must get approval before making any changes.
We have the power to regulate ordinary watercourses and if issues are found we can enforce the following:
- the requirement to carry out repairs
- the requirement to remove or modify unconsented works
- the requirement to undertake routine maintenance to maintain the flow of water
The Environment Agency manages the main river network.
The Sow and Penk Internal Drainage Board looks after ordinary watercourses in its area, which covers a small catchment around Stafford.
When an issue is brought to our attention, we will take a risk based approach when determining whether we should carry out works. There are many factors that may influence our decision, but key issues include:
- the potential for internal flooding of residential or commercial buildings
- the potential for flooding of important infrastructure
- the potential for adverse environmental effects
We will try to resolve the majority of issues through cooperation with riparian landowners, thus avoiding the need for us to use our formal enforcement powers.
We, as the highway authority, can carry out works in relation to flooding and drainage affecting the public highway. There are also common law responsibilities for landowners to maintain roadside ditches and watercourses.