Guernsey Water is reminding Islanders with streams, douits or other watercourses on their land that by law they are required to clear them of weed, silt and other obstructions such as fallen branches and litter, by the end of September.
The utility works in partnership with parish douzaines with the twice yearly aim of ensuring streams are properly maintained with obstructions and any vegetation cut and removed ahead of the inspections. Guernsey law requires this essential maintenance to be undertaken by 30 September to minimise any risk of flooding and ensure an unrestricted flow of water into the Island’s catchments.
Jon Holt, Guernsey Water’s Operations Manager, said: “It is important that all waterways are cleared of vegetation and debris to ensure the Island’s streams remain free flowing, reducing the risk of flooding and ensuring we are able to effectively capture water to top up the Island’s stored supply.”
Notifications are issued for landowners to clear streams and tributaries which discharge into 13 areas. These 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 30 September deadline.
Mr Holt added: “The Island only had 130.3mm of rainfall over June, July and August, which is slightly below average* and will have impacted how well the streams around Guernsey flow. The work of the douzaines stream inspections is very important to prevent flooding and keep water flowing, and something that we appreciate greatly. Although their inspections often go unseen, they continue to benefit the Island community as a whole and we thank them for their continued cooperation.”
For guidance on cleaning streams and douits, please click here.
For further advice on the law and responsibilities, landowners are advised to contact their Parish Douzaine or the Streams Inspector at Guernsey Water.
