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Guernsey Water reminds Islanders to clear streams and douits
Guernsey Water is reminding landowners with streams, douits and other watercourses on their land that by law they are required to clear them of weed, silt, and other obstructions by 15th June 2022.
The utility works in partnership with parish douzaines with the twice yearly aim of ensuring streams are properly maintained with obstructions and any vegetation removed ahead of the inspections. The second clearance is due to take place by 30th September.
Guernsey Law requires this essential maintenance to be undertaken by mid-June to minimise any risk of flooding and ensure an unrestricted flow of water into the Island's catchments.
Margaret McGuinness, Water Quality Risk Manager at Guernsey Water, said: "In order for the Island's streams to remain free flowing and to reduce any potential flood risks we are reminding Islanders once again to clear streams of any obstructions or growth.
"The free flow of water is something that we are all dependent on and the twice-yearly maintenance and clearance work is essential for us to effectively capture water and top up the Island's stored supply."
Notifications are issued for landowners to clear streams and tributaries which discharge into 13 bays. The areas include the Vale Pond, Grand Havre Bay, Rocquaine, Belle Greve, La Grande Mare, the public sewer at La Charroterie, La Lague in St Peters and Perelle. The Parish Douzaines then carry out inspections Island-wide after the 15 June deadline.
Mrs McGuinness added: "There are approximately 165km of watercourses and douits around the Island, our douzaines work is very important to the upkeep of our streams. While this maintenance work often goes unseen, it is very important and something that we appreciate greatly."
For advice on the law and responsibilities, landowners are advised to contact their Parish or the Streams Inspector at Guernsey Water. For guidance on cleaning streams and douits, please visit http://www.water.gg/streamsanddouits