Frequently Asked Questions

Drainage rates are levied as a charge (at a rate of Xp in the £1) on agricultural properties in an internal drainage district. The rates are levied to pay for the special local drainage or flood protection works which are carried out by the internal drainage board of that district. The value on which rates are set basically represents 1991 land rental levels.

These rates are payable because you occupy agricultural property within an internal drainage district. These districts are areas where special local measures are needed to properly manage flood risk. These measures involving maintenance, improvement or new works to watercourses or structures are managed by an internal drainage board and these boards levy rates on occupiers of property to meet their expenses.

Properties which are not used for agricultural purposes (as defined in the Local Government Finance Act 1988) do not receive a direct drainage rate demand. Rates are, however, effectively charged on these properties through the Special Levy issued to the local authority.

Agricultural use includes uses such as for paddocks and, to be rated, the land does not need to be used as part of an agricultural business. If, however, you still feel that your land is not used for agriculture, please contact the Rates Office who will arrange an inspection.

Rates are payable because your property is in an internal drainage district and they meet the costs of the arterial protection provided by the board of that district. They are not charged because you do, or do not, have watercourses on your land.

The primary responsibility for the maintenance of any watercourse rests with the owner of that watercourse. This will USUALLY be the owner of the land adjoining that watercourse. Where a channel is marked as an internal drainage board’s drain, that board’s byelaws apply to it and the board will often undertake required drainage works. The Land Drainage Act 1991, under which the boards operate, however, enables them BUT DOES NOT REQUIRE THEM to carry out drainage works.

Actually, they are due for payment upon receipt of the drainage rate demand.

The preferred method of payment is by BACS transfer/on-line banking. Another means of making a payment can be made by cash or cheque at any branch of any bank. Alternatively, a cheque can be sent to the office, made payable to the relevant internal drainage board with details of account ID written on the reverse.

If this is the case, you must advise us as soon as possible.

Annual demands are normally sent in May/June and reminders by August. If you have failed to pay, court costs will be added to your account and the debt will be taken to the Magistrates’ Court.

We will need either a formal letter from a suitably qualified professional e.g. solicitor or surveyor, or evidence of the transaction itself e.g. sight of Land Certificate or Lease. Please ensure a plan is included so the land can easily be identified.

Invasive alien species are defined as “species whose introduction and spread outside their natural ecological range poses a real threat to biodiversity and the economy” (European Commission Invasive Species publication). We actively try to eradicate such species in our district. Please see here for further details

We have different winter and summer levels in the watercourses. We keep the levels lower in the winter as typically, there is more rainfall in winter months and we need to create more capacity in the drains to accommodate this. Climate change is altering the annual pattern of rainfall and the Boards will respond to this.

If you find rubbish, whether it is bin bags of garden waste, household rubbish or industrial waste dumped on your land, it is the landowner’s responsibility to clear it away. If it has been dumped on public land, or land under the control or ownership of a local authority, then it is their responsibility to get it removed.

This may be the Unitary Authority, Somerset Highways or Axe Brue, Parrett or North Somerset Levels Internal Drainage Board. There may be evidence as to who may have dumped the waste, this evidence should not be disturbed but reported to the authorities. Waste found dumped in a watercourse should be left where it is due to health and safety risks and reported to us or the Environment Agency who have the proper equipment and training to remove the items safely.

Any work within 9 metres of a watercourse requires Land Drainage Consent. Please refer to this page for further details.

If life is at risk call 999/112

• If property is flooded but there is no risk to life contact:
• Environment Agency National Flood Line: 0345 988 11 88
• Somerset Council 0300 123 2224 or North Somerset Council 01934 888888
• Please note calls to these numbers may be busy during any flood event, try again or use alternative means to report.
• You will of course, need to notify your insurance company.  If you have been flooded, to support your future insurance, you could work with them to discuss how adding property resilience may support the ongoing premiums.

If flood water, ground water or any other water is currently outside the main residence, and is in the garden, or affecting external buildings to the main property such as sheds, and outbuildings you can report this to the Lead Local Flood Authority by calling:

• Somerset Council 0300 123 2224 or North Somerset Council 01934 888888

Main rivers and coastal waters are the responsibility of the Environment Agency (EA).

• Contact the EA via National Flood Line 0345 988 11 88

The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) collate and report on all types of flooding, including that to agricultural land.

You should report your flooding to the LLFA if it meets the following criteria:

2 hectares or more of grade 3+ agricultural land is flooded for 2 days or more.

• Somerset Council 0300 123 2224 or North Somerset Council 01934 888888

Your local IDB is always interested in flooding when it is within their drainage districts. However, it is vital to report to the LLFA as IDBs do not have systems which link to multiagency planning during an event, nor are they able to record the information externally. Whereas under legislation, the LLFA are the appropriate organisation to collate and onward report into Government the extent of flooding, which supports the communities, and may assist with Central and Local Government decisions regarding grants or other financial support may be required. E.g. through DEFRA, Councils etc.

If its main river or coastal, you need to report to the Environment Agency by calling their flood line number 0345 988 11 88.

If it’s an ordinary watercourse: If it is within the IDB district, it will be the IDB. However, if it is in the extended area or outside of any district/extended area you will need to notify the Local Authority –  e.g. Somerset Council or North Somerset Council. If you are unsure our map may assist, or if you call us we can confirm if it is our watercourse or the Local Authority.

If riparian owned –  the riparian owner is responsible.

Public sewers and utility pipes are the responsibility of the water provider. In Somerset, this is Wessex Water.

Water and flood waters are potentially dangerous – just a few top tips!

• Flood water is very cold, even in the summer, and can be faster flowing that you think - and even at ankle depth it can knock you off your feet. In high-risk areas, the depth of water can increase rapidly.
• Flood water may contain debris that could trip you over, cut or injure you. As well as containing debris, flood water is ‘treated’ as being contaminated by Fire and Rescue Services, which include sewage, animal waste, E Coli, Shigella and agricultural and industrial waste.
• Do not drive through flood water -  your vehicle may become trapped after driving through floods.
• Do not use flooded towpaths, paths and you should not walk, run or cycle where there is flood water.
• Do not walk on flooded river banks, as river banks can be quickly eroded by flood water and this may wash away previously safe paths. They may also be unstable after the flood waters have subsided.
• If your dog jumps or falls into the water, DO NOT attempt to go in as you may get into trouble. The best way to support is to get to a place on the bank that is easy to allow your dog to get out and call them to you. In many cases, dogs will get out themselves and the owners are in distress if they enter the waters.
• DO keep your dog on a lead.
• DO keep away from the flood waters as much as possible.

The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) flooding safety advice document can be found by using this link.