Land drainage in the UK has a specific and particular meaning as a result of a number of
Acts of Parliament such as the
Land Drainage Act 1991
Land, also known as dry land, ground, or earth, is the solid terrestrial surface of the planet Earth that is not submerged by the ocean or other bodies of water. It makes up 29% of Earth's surface and includes the continents and various islan ...
.
In this context, land drainage refers to the responsibilities and activities of "internal
drainage districts
Drainage districts occur in England and Wales, varying in size from a few hundred acres to over , all in low-lying areas of the country where flood risk management and land drainage are sensitive issues. Most drainage districts are administered by ...
" and "
internal drainage boards
An internal drainage board (IDB) is a type of operating authority which is established in areas of special drainage need in England and Wales with permissive powers to undertake work to secure clean water drainage and water level management wit ...
", both of which are specifically defined by relevant legislation. The land drainage responsibilities of the boards and districts are limited to works on
main rivers. Such works encompass any reasonable activity to maintain an adequate channel in the river to carry a
1 in 100 year river flow event. Such activities may include dredging, weed clearing, the raising of flood embankments etc.
See also
*
Drainage law
*
Land drainage (disambiguation) Land drainage may refer to:
* Surface drainage of the land
** Drainage system (geomorphology), pattern of natural drains, streams, rivers, etc.
**Land drainage - a legal and operational term in the UK to define a range of functions and responsibi ...
References
Bodies of water
Rivers
Flood control in the United Kingdom
English law
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