The Council is asking owners of land containing private culverts and watercourses to consider undertaking some key maintenance activities this summer, to reduce flood risk in the autumn and winter months ahead.
Here, we’re providing some handy tips to help you check and safely maintain privately-owned assets while taking advantage of the better weather over the summer, while also pointing out the advice that’s available from the Council.
The Council is responsible for maintaining culverts and watercourses on roads and land under Local Authority ownership. Alongside significant investment in this area, maintenance activity takes place all year round – and is stepped up even further in the winter or when severe weather is forecast. However, the Council’s responsibility does not extend to assets that are privately-owned.
Therefore, small actions taken by the community now could help reduce the risk of flooding in a few months’ time. For example, during Storm Bert in November 2024, around 64% of impacted culverts were privately-owned. These privately-owned assets accounted for approximately 20% of the total number of impacted properties during the storm event.
Therefore, if you own land with a culvert, ditch, stream or watercourse running through or under it, then you are what is known as a ‘riparian owner’ and have a responsibility for its maintenance. Find out more information about the rights and responsibilities of riparian ownership.
The summer months are an excellent time of the year to ensure private culvert infrastructure and watercourses are well-maintained – as it will ensure you are best-prepared for the winter months ahead, and there are favourable weather conditions to safely undertake any actions. Here’s a short list of what you can do:
- Check and clear blockages – by removing fallen branches, leaves, debris and silt that could obstruct water flow.
- Maintain vegetation – by cutting back overgrown plants that might restrict water flow.
- Dispose of waste properly – never dump household or garden waste into watercourses, as they could cause blockages.
- Inspect culverts regularly – to ensure they are not blocked, collapsed or eroded.
- Report major issues – if you have concerns regarding obstructions affecting a watercourse, you should inform the Council using our ‘Report It’ function online.
The Council is here to help provide general advice and support, the level of which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
In a similar way, it’s a good idea for ALL homeowners – regardless if they are a riparian owner or not – to take advantage of the summer months to ensure their property’s private drainage is properly-maintained and ready to respond to the risk of flooding. This can range from keeping gutters and drainpipes free from blockages, to installing protection measures like flood barriers. Further advice for all homeowners is included at the bottom of this article.
A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: “With the summer season here, we’re asking landowners to consider carrying out maintenance to privately-owned culverts, ditches, streams and watercourses, to prepare for the winter. Small actions like clearing blockages, maintaining vegetation and inspecting culverts could help prevent flooding – not only to owners’ land and properties, but to their neighbours and within their wider communities too.
“Poorly-maintained waterways can lead to flooding and environmental damage – and could even result in possible enforcement action if landowners are found to have not taken action. The Council is here to provide advice, with our Flood Risk Management Team available if private landowners have any questions about their watercourses and what actions they need to take. It’s especially important that major issues are reported for our awareness.”
Below is some advice for ALL homeowners, on the actions you can take this summer to ensure properties are best-prepared for winter weather and the threat of flooding. Further details about Flood Preparedness and Awareness in Rhondda Cynon Taf are also included on the Council’s website.
- Know your flood risk – check flood maps and sign up for flood alerts and weather warnings to stay informed.
- Maintain your drainage systems – keep gutters, culverts and watercourses clear to prevent blockages.
- Install flood protection measures – use flood barriers, airbrick convert and non-return valves to help protect your property.
- Prepare a flood plan – note down emergency contacts and have a flood kit ready with essentials.
- Report issues early – if you notice blocked drains or culverts. You can also clear small blockages yourself if it’s safe to do so. Please find some further advice via our ‘Your Neighbours Need You’ campaign.
Posted on 30/07/2025