Proposed designation changes to the main river map, notices from the Environment Agency, how to comment or appeal, and final decision notices.
Environment Agency 7th June 2019 see all updates
Contents
- Factual changes (notices to be live for 30 days)
- Decision notices (notices to be live for 6 weeks)
- Statutory guidance to the Environment Agency
Main river map
The main river map shows which rivers in England are designated as ‘main rivers’. Other rivers are called ‘ordinary watercourses’. The main river map also shows where the Environment Agency intends to make changes. These are highlighted as ‘additions’ and ‘deletions’. Main rivers are usually larger rivers and streams. The Environment Agency carries out maintenance, improvement or construction work on main rivers to manage flood risk. Lead local flood authorities, district councils and internal drainage boards carry out flood risk management work on ordinary watercourses.
In England, the Environment Agency decides which watercourses are main rivers. It consults with other risk management authorities and the public before making these decisions. The main river map is then updated to reflect these changes.
A river’s designation may affect you if you:
- live by a river
- own land or property by a river
- need to carry out works in or near a river
Read guidance about the rights and responsibilities of riverside ownership.