Our work
Water Level Management Boards (WLMBs), also known as Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), have evolved to take on a broader role that goes beyond traditional land drainage.
Maintenance & operations
The Board maintains 206 km within its drainage district, balancing the needs of land drainage with the promotion of biodiversity. Our goal is to ensure that maintenance activities support flood risk management while fostering a healthy environment.
These critical watercourses are managed under permissive powers, meaning that some may receive more attention than others based on their importance to the overall drainage network.
Watercourses not adopted by the Board but within the district are still governed by the Board’s byelaws. In these cases, maintenance is the responsibility of the landowner, typically the riparian owner. For more information on riparian ownership, click here.
To determine if your watercourse is managed by the Board or classified as a main river by the Environment Agency, explore the interactive map below. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us.
Planning & development
Water level management plays a crucial role in the planning process, particularly in areas prone to flooding or with significant drainage needs. When planning new developments or infrastructure projects, it's essential to consider how these changes will impact local water levels and drainage systems.
We work closely with local planning authorities to ensure that proposed developments do not increase flood risk or negatively affect existing water management infrastructure. This includes assessing drainage strategies, ensuring that adequate flood defences are in place, and integrating sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS) into the planning process.
By involving us early in the planning stages, developers can ensure that their projects are resilient to flooding, compliant with environmental regulations, and supportive of local water management goals. This collaborative approach helps protect both people and property while promoting sustainable development.
Water management
Water Level Management Boards play a pivotal role in developing and implementing water management solutions, particularly in regions with complex drainage needs or high flood risk. Their expertise is essential in creating strategies that balance flood prevention, land drainage, and environmental sustainability.
We are responsible for maintaining and enhancing drainage infrastructure, such as ditches, culverts, and four pumping stations, to ensure efficient water flow and prevent flooding. We also collaborate with other agencies and stakeholders to design and implement solutions that address local water challenges, such as rising sea levels, increased rainfall, or changes in land use.
In addition to traditional drainage methods, we are increasingly involved in promoting innovative and sustainable water management solutions, such as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), wetland restoration, and natural flood management techniques. These approaches not only manage water levels effectively but also enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and support climate resilience.
This helps create a more sustainable and resilient water environment that protects communities, supports agriculture, and preserves natural habitats.
Environment
Water Level Management Boards (WLMBs) play a crucial role in enhancing the environment through comprehensive water level management plans that are closely aligned with Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs). These plans are designed not only to control water levels and reduce flood risk but also to actively promote and protect biodiversity within their districts.
30% of our District is within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which is a formal conservation designation which describes an area that’s of particular interest to science due to a rare habitat, species, or geological or physiological features.
By integrating Biodiversity Action Plans into our water level management strategies, we continue creating and maintaining these habitats that support a wide range of species, including those that are rare or under threat.
This includes the careful management of watercourses and drainage systems to foster the growth of native plants, provide habitats for wildlife, and improve overall water quality.
We also undertake specific projects looking at specific species such as eels, and breeding wader birds. These initiatives are designed to enhance biodiversity while also contributing to broader environmental goals, such as climate resilience and water quality improvement, helping to preserve and enhance the natural environment for future generations.
Climate adaptation
Our involvement in climate resilience is focused on adapting water management practices to address the challenges posed by climate change. As an area considered to be of serious water stress in the UK, our District is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including shifts in rainfall patterns and rising sea levels.
We are actively working to enhance climate resilience by working with partners to develop comprehensive water management strategies that ensure sustainable water use for both ecological and agricultural needs.
Key initiatives include optimising water storage during wet periods to support wetlands and agricultural activities during drier seasons. We are also exploring innovative approaches to manage water resources efficiently, such as using advanced modelling to predict and plan for future climate scenarios. Our efforts aim to balance the needs of the environment, local communities, and agriculture, ensuring that the District remains resilient in the face of climate change.
Through collaboration with stakeholders and by securing necessary funding, we are committed to implementing long-term solutions that protect this unique landscape and its biodiversity while supporting the local economy.
