Search Contact Menu
24 hour - 01481 239500

Other useful numbers

News Centre > Friday 04 September 2020

Guernsey Water's seasonal reminder to clear streams and douits

Stream

Guernsey Water is reminding Islanders who have streams, douits, and other watercourses running through their land to ensure that they are cleared of vegetation and silt by the end of this month.

All streams are required by law to be cleared of vegetation and other obstructions twice each year - In June and September - in advance of Parish inspections by the Streams Committees. This vital maintenance of waterways is undertaken to ensure an unrestricted flow of water into the island's catchments and minimise the risk of flooding.

Stephen Langlois, General Manager of Guernsey Water, said: "Debris and other vegetation can be prolific in our hundreds of waterways, resulting in low flows or even blockages if not removed.  If we suddenly experience a heavy downpour and the rainwater is unable to drain away, there could be serious flooding.

"We make this request in the summer and the beginning of autumn so that landowners work with our douzaines to maintain their watercourses and in doing so reduce the risk of flooding to ensure our valuable water is kept flowing."

The States' Trading Supervisory Board, in its capacity as the Central Streams Committee, issues the notification to clear streams and tributaries which discharge into 13 bays, including Le Grand Havre, Vazon, Petit Bot and Belle Greve. The Committee carries out inspections Island-wide after the deadline at the end of this month.

For advice on the law and responsibilities, landowners are advised contact their Parish or the Streams Inspector at Guernsey Water. For guidance on cleaning streams and douits, see here.

Responsibility to our customers and the environment

View Our 7 Outcomes
Top
Have a question or cannot find what you are looking for? Try our support pages. Go
Happy to help