Water courses

If you own land or property alongside a water course you are legally termed a riparian owner. All watercourses, including rivers, ditches and streams, are the responsibility of riparian owners.

Riparian owners must keep the watercourse clear of anything that obstructs water flow. Hampshire County Council can serve legal notices on riparian owners to deal with obstructions.

Please see the Hampshire County Council leaflet on riparian ownership for more details. For further advice, please email fwm@hants.gov.uk.