Do you have a watercourse, such as a ditch, stream or river running through, or alongside, your property? If so, you are probably responsible for its maintenance and in legal terms you are a 'riparian owner'.
Surrey County Council's website provides advice and information about living next to a watercourse, e.g.:
- Are you a riparian owner?
- Your rights
- Your responsibilities
- Further information
- Implementation of Legislation*
- Riparian Ownership - Frequently Asked Questions
- Good Practice Guide for watercourse maintenance
*In implementing legislation with respect to riparian owners, we take the same approach as Surrey County Council in that we will encourage owners to work towards an effective watercourse system through a process of co-operation, liaison, advice and assistance wherever possible and we will try to resolve problems through discussion with owners in the first instance and enforcement of legislation will only be used as the last resort.
If you have any further questions please contact Surrey County Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority at flooding.enquiries@surreycc.gov.uk or phone Surrey County Council on 03456 009 009.
The Environment Agency also provides information on your responsibilities and rules to follow for watercourses on or near your property and permissions you need to do work around them.