What Is A Drainage Board In Cumbria?

Introduction

Cumbria is a county situated in the North West of England. The area is renowned for its scenic beauty and tourist destinations like the Lake District. The area is also prone to flooding due to its geography and topography, which makes the need for an effective drainage system critical.

In this article, we will discuss what a drainage board is in Cumbria, its functions, and its importance in mitigating flood risks in the area.

Drainage Cumbria: A Drainage Company In Cumbria

Drainage Cumbria is a drainage company in Cumbria that provides expert drainage services to customers in the area. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to ensuring that our clients get the best service in the industry.

We are specialists in drain cleaning, CCTV drain surveys, drainage repairs, and sewer line inspections. Our company uses the latest equipment to ensure that we provide efficient and cost-effective solutions to our clients.

Our mission is to provide reliable, efficient, and affordable drainage services to our clients. We also aim to educate the community on the importance of proper drainage management and the role of drainage boards in mitigating flood risks in the area.

What Is A Drainage Board?

A drainage board is a statutory body established under the Land Drainage Act 1991. The board is responsible for the management of watercourses, rivers, and internal drainage within their district. The board operates under the regulatory framework of the Environment Agency (EA) and the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

In Cumbria, there are several IDBs (Internal Drainage Boards) that oversee the management of water levels in different parts of the county. These boards are responsible for assessing flood risks in their area and implementing measures to mitigate them.

How Do IDBs Operate?

IDBs operate under a model statutory procedure provided by the DEFRA. The procedure outlines the framework for the board's governance, decision-making, and functions.

The IDB's panel comprises elected and appointed members who oversee the board's activities. The members come from different sectors, including agriculture, land management, and the environment.

The drainage board is responsible for maintaining watercourses, rivers, and internal drainage infrastructure within its district. The board ensures that the watercourses and rivers are free-flowing, reducing flood risks and minimizing the impact of flooding on the environment and human health.

The Importance of IDBs in Flood Risk Management

The IDBs in Cumbria play a crucial role in managing flood risks in the area. The district comprises of several watercourses and rivers that are potential sources of flooding. The IDBs assess the flood risks in their districts and implement measures to reduce them.

The IDBs' engineered function involves the construction and maintenance of infrastructure designed to manage the flow of water during flood events. This infrastructure includes pumping stations, sluices, and culverts, among others.

The IDBs also manage vegetation in and around watercourses and rivers, which helps to enhance the natural drainage system. This management involves clearing debris and weeds that can impede water flow.

Idb Districts in Cumbria

In Cumbria, there are several IDB districts, including:

East Cumberland IDB

The East Cumberland IDB manages watercourses in East Cumberland, including the River Eden and its tributaries. The board's functions include maintaining and improving drainage infrastructure, managing water levels in the River Eden, and mitigating flood risks.

Solway Middle Level IDB

The Solway Middle Level IDB operates in the Solway Plain, managing the watercourses that drain into the Solway Firth. The board's functions include flood prevention, maintaining pumping stations and sluices, and vegetation management in watercourses and rivers.

West Cumbria IDB

The West Cumbria IDB manages the watercourses in West Cumbria, including the River Derwent and its tributaries. The board's functions include maintaining and improving drainage infrastructure, managing water levels in the River Derwent, and mitigating flood risks.

Upper and Mid-Eden IDB

The Upper and Mid-Eden IDB manages the watercourses in the Upper and Mid-Eden catchment areas. The board's functions include assessing flood risks, maintaining watercourses, and managing water levels in the Eden.

Powers to Regulate Activities

The IDBs in Cumbria have the power to regulate activities that may impact the watercourses and rivers within their districts. These powers include:

Flood Risk

The IDBs assess flood risks in their districts and implement measures to reduce them. The board can also issue flood warnings and evacuate people in areas deemed at risk of flooding.

Drainage Activities

The IDBs regulate drainage activities within their districts, ensuring that the activities do not adversely impact watercourses and rivers. The board also ensures that any activities carried out on watercourses or rivers are done in accordance with regulations set out by the EA and DEFRA.

Provide Drainage Services

The IDBs provide drainage services to residents and businesses within their districts. The services include maintaining and cleaning drainage infrastructure and responding to drainage-related emergencies.

Conclusion

In summary, drainage boards play a crucial role in managing flood risks in Cumbria. The boards are responsible for ensuring that watercourses and rivers are free-flowing, reducing flood risks and minimizing the impact of flooding on the environment and human health.

IDBs carry out a range of functions, including managing and maintaining infrastructure, regulating drainage activities, and providing drainage services to residents and businesses. Our company, Drainage Cumbria, is committed to educating the community on the importance of proper drainage management and the role of drainage boards in mitigating flood risks in the area.

If you have any drainage-related queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us at Drainage Cumbria for professional and reliable drainage services.