Langham Parish Church

Abstraction of water from Langham Brook

The brook running through Langham is owned by each riparian property and we thank each of you for fulfilling your responsibiites with regard to the maintenance of the bank and water course.

The recent warm, dry spell has left the water level very low and we felt it was important to remind riparian owners that, whilst the abstraction of water up 20cubic metres per day or less does not require a licence from the Environment Agency, amounts in excess of this may do so and should be referred to them.

A reminder of riparian duties:

  • Pass on the flow of water without obstruction, pollution or diversion affecting the rights of others.
  • Maintain the bed and banks of the watercourse and to clear any debris, whether natural or artificial, to keep any culverts, rubbish screens, weirs and mill gates clear of debris.
  • Be responsible for protection of land from flooding and cause no obstructions, temporary or permanent, preventing the free passage of fish.
  • Accept flood flows even if caused by inadequate capacity downstream, but there is no duty to improve the drainage capacity of a watercourse.