Living next to water
If you own land or property alongside a river, stream or other watercourse, in legal terms you are a "Riparian Owner".
This basically means you have certain responsibilities, particularly regarding maintenance, which could affect flood risk to you and your neighbours.
Your responsibilities
- Get advice before building decking, retaining walls or other structures near or in the water.
- Keep the water and surrounding area free and clear of any blockages.
- Plants and trees are good by rivers, but they need to be looked after and not allowed to get overgrown.
- Riverbanks should not be used to store or dispose of any form of garden or household waste.