Ordinary watercourse regulation

If you are carrying out work that could obstruct the flow in an ordinary watercourse or involves culverting an ordinary watercourse, you will need to get consent.

Ordinary watercourses are rivers, streams, ditches, and other waterways that are not designated as main rivers by the Environment Agency.

Watercourses can be split into those classified as 'main rivers' and those classified as 'ordinary watercourses'. It is important to understand and check the classification of a watercourse so the responsible body for their regulation can be identified.

Check the classification of a watercourse

Owning an ordinary watercourse

Our approach to regulating ordinary watercourses

Reporting an issue with an ordinary watercourse

Applying for ordinary watercourse consent

Consent application form, checklist and guidance

Accessing advice about an application for ordinary watercourse consent