Not all watercourses are the responsibility of an IDB, and FAQs are provided below, along with an interactive map on the homepage to help signpost our community to the best organisation to help them if needed, to help you speak to the right organisation at the right time.
What are IDBs?
Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) are public bodies that manage water levels in an area.The area managed is known as an internal drainage district, where there is a special need for drainage.IDBs undertake works to reduce flood risk to people and property and manage water levels for agricultural and environmental needs within their district.
There are currently 112 IDBs in England and 11 in Lincolnshire. Use the interactive map on our website to locate your IDB.
No, IDBs do not manage all watercourses or drainage systems.
Please use the FAQs to assist in locating the right organisation.If you can’t find what you are looking for please contact 01522697 123 or email enquiries@witham3idb.gov.uk
Please note that the phone line and email are monitored during work hours Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.If you call out of hours, we will respond the next working day.
What are the different types of flooding?
Public Sewers and utility pipes
Water companies (e.g. Anglian Water) are responsible for managing the risk of flooding from public sewers and utility pipes.This includes shared sewer pipes where they meet between properties before joining the public sewer.
Highway gullies and drains
Highway roads, footpaths, drains and gullies are the responsibility of the local highway authority which is under Lincolnshire County Council.Note – Major roads and motorway drainage are the responsibility of Highways England.
Watercourse (riparian) ownership
You own a watercourse if it runs adjacent to, through or under your property.This includes both main rivers and ordinary watercourses such as streams, culverts, and ditches.You are responsible for maintaining the natural flow of water and reporting incidents such as blockages and flooding.
Main river and coastal flooding
The Environment Agency (EA) is responsible for managing the risk of main river and coastal flooding.Main rivers are those which are designated as such on the EA’s Main River Map.
To report incidents and flood risk issues, call the Incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 (24/7).To sign up for flood warnings, call Flood line on 0345 988 1188 or log online at https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings.
Groundwater flooding
The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) are responsible for managing the risk of groundwater flooding.This can occur when periods of prolonged rainfall cause the water table to rise and emerge in basements or above ground.
Surface water flooding
The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) are responsible for managing the risk of surface water flooding.This can occur when the capacity of drainage systems on land or road is exceeded by heavy rainfall.
I’ve got Riparian responsibilities, what does that mean?
You own a watercourse if it runs adjacent to, through or under your property.This includes both main rivers and ordinary watercourses such as streams, culverts, and ditches.You are responsible for maintaining the natural flow of water and reporting incidents such as blockages and flooding.You are required to follow byelaws and would need to contact IDB as you may require consent to change the watercourse in any way?
What do I need to consider if I want to build next to/ in a watercourse?
Visit the relevant Board’s page – e.g. North East Lindsey, Upper Witham… and download and or complete the appropriate consent form for the Board you are looking to work in.
1 in 6 properties in England are at risk of flooding from rivers, sea and surface water, with many others susceptible to various sources of flooding.This number is likely to increase due to climate change, making the need for property owners to check your own risk and to consider protecting your property from risk of flooding.
To check your risk of flooding you can use the Government ‘Flood map for planning’
If there is a blockage in the ‘private drains’ within the boundaries of a property, the property owner is responsible.
If there is a blockage in the ‘public drain’ or due to significant rainfall entering the system water has backed up and come up via manholes and or internal toilets, Anglian Water is responsible and can be contacted on 03457 145 145(water and sewerage queries or ‘reporting an issue’) use the Anglian Water ‘contact us’ as you can use QR codes, WhatsApp and email to contact.
Highway gullies and drains
Highway roads, footpaths, drains and gullies are the responsibility of the local highway authority which is under Lincolnshire County Council.Note – Major roads and motorway drainage are the responsibility of Highways England.
Call The Lincolnshire County Council Customer Service Centre – 01522 782 082 to report the flooding, providing as much information as you can with location of the flooded part (W3W is a good tool).
Email floodrisk@linconshire.gov.uk with as much information as you can.Note this email is monitored Monday – Friday during office hours.
Alternatively, you can upload as many details as you have via “Fixmystreet”.
Riparian owned water courses
To report such incidents contact ???????
Main river and coastal flooding
The Environment Agency (EA) is responsible for managing the risk of main river and coastal flooding.Main rivers are those which are designated as such on the EA’s Main River Map.
To report incidents and flood risk issues, call the Incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 (24/7).
Groundwater flooding
Contact your local council.Groundwater flooding is caused by water rising-up through the ground.
The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) are responsible for managing the risk of surface water flooding.This can occur when the capacity of drainage systems on land or road is exceeded by heavy rainfall.
Call The Lincolnshire County Council Customer Service Centre – 01522 782 082 to report the flooding, providing as much information as you can with location of the flooded part (W3W is a good tool).
Email floodrisk@linconshire.gov.uk with as much information as you can.Note this email is monitored Monday – Friday during office hours.
Alternatively, you can upload as many details as you have via “Fixmystreet”.
I live in a flood risk area; can I plan before an event, so my home isn’t flooded in the future?
Absolutely, if you can protect your home, and prevent flood waters from entering your home, it can help reduce or prevent damage as well as the upset and upheaval of repairs.
A great website with information on flood resilience is the flood hub.It has been produced in the Northwest by flood management authorities, but much of the information is general such as “This is the link to The Flood Hub and Flood Protection and Resilience measures available”
If you do any such works, speak with your Local Council as they may be able to advise on any Government funding, but don’t forget to liaise with your Insurance too to ensure they can provide information and guidance and provide any details whereby your premiums may be affected.
You will of course, need to notify your insurance company.If you have been flooded, to support your future insurance, you could work with them to discuss how adding property resilience may support the ongoing premiums.
My outbuildings, garden, shed is flooded what do I do?
If flood water, ground water or any other water is currently outside the main residence, and is in the garden, or affecting external buildings to the main property such as sheds, and outbuildings you can report this to the Lead Local Flood Authority by:
Your local IDB is always interested in flooding when it is within their drainage districts.However, it is vital to report to the LLFA as IDBs do not have systems which link to multiagency planning during an event, nor are they able to record the information externally. Whereas under legislation, the LLFA are the appropriate organisation to collate and onward report into Government the extent of flooding, which supports the communities, and may assist with Central and Local Government decisions regarding grants or other financial support may be required.E.g. through DEFRA, Councils etc.
Who do I report watercourse damage to?
If its main river or coastal – you need to report to the Environment Agency – by calling their flood line number 0345 988 11 88.
If it’s an ordinary watercourse – If it is within the IDB district, it will be the IDB.However, if it is in the extended area or outside of any district/ extended area you will need to notify the Local Authority – e.g. North Kesteven, Lincoln City, East Lindsey etc.If you are unsure our map may assist, or if you call us we can confirm if it is our watercourse or the Local Authority.
If riparian owned – the riparian owner is responsible.
Sewer water is coming back into my home, up pipework or back up the loo – what do I do?
Public sewers and utility pipes are the responsibility of the water provider.In Lincolnshire, this is Anglian Water.
Anglian Water website recommends you notify your insurance once you have notified them.
How do I keep safe out and about during floods?
Water and flood waters are potentially dangerous – just a few top tips!
Flood water is very cold, even in the summer, and can be faster flowing that you think – and even at ankle depth it can knock you off your feet.In high-risk areas, the depth of water can increase rapidly.
Flood water may contain debris that could trip you over, cut or injure you.As well as containing debris, flood water is ‘treated’ as being contaminated by Fire and Rescue Services, which include sewage, animal waste, E Coli, Shigella and agricultural and industrial waste.
Do not drive through flood water – your vehicle may become trapped after driving through floods.
Do not use flooded towpaths, paths and you should not walk, run or cycle where there is flood water.
Do not walk on flooded river banks, as river banks can be quickly eroded by flood water and this may wash away previously safe paths.They may also be unstable after the flood waters have subsided.
If your dog jumps or falls into the water, DO NOT attempt to go in as you may get into trouble.The best way to support is to get to a place on the bank that is easy to allow your dog to get out and call them to you.In many cases, dogs will get out themselves and the owners are in distress if they enter the waters.
DO keep your dog on a lead.
DO keep away from the flood waters as much as possible.
Flood Action Week returns from 12 – 18 October 2026
Flood Action Week is an annual campaign to raise public awareness of flood risk and the actions people can take to prepare for flooding and protect themselves and their property.
