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In the context of geography, drainage refers to the natural or artificial removal of excess water from a particular area of land. In North Yorkshire, drainage plays a crucial role in maintaining the region's ecosystem, preventing flooding, and ensuring the overall health of the environment.

In North Yorkshire, the authority responsible for managing drainage is the North Yorkshire County Council, in conjunction with the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The agency works to protect and improve the environment, including managing flood risk and promoting sustainable drainage practices.

In some areas of North Yorkshire, internal drainage boards (IDBs) play a vital role in managing local drainage. IDBs are independent bodies responsible for maintaining and improving drainage infrastructure within their designated areas. These boards work closely with the Environment Agency and local authorities to ensure effective drainage management.

The Environment Agency provides guidance on managing flood risk in North Yorkshire, including advice on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and flood risk assessments. The agency also works with local authorities to develop flood risk management plans, which aim to reduce the risk of flooding and mitigate its impacts.

In North Yorkshire, areas of focus for drainage management include:

• The River Ouse and its tributaries, which flow through the city of York and surrounding areas
• The River Ure and its tributaries, which flow through the Yorkshire Dales National Park
• The coastal areas of North Yorkshire, where drainage is critical for preventing flooding and erosion

Effective drainage management in North Yorkshire requires a holistic approach to water and land management. This includes:

• Managing water levels in rivers and streams
• Maintaining and improving drainage infrastructure, such as ditches and culverts
• Promoting sustainable land use practices, such as reducing soil erosion and increasing soil permeability

The Environment Agency has the power to make byelaws to regulate activities that affect drainage in North Yorkshire. These byelaws may include restrictions on the use of certain land or water features, or requirements for the maintenance of drainage infrastructure.

The Environment Agency works to manage flood risk in North Yorkshire by:

• Maintaining and improving flood defenses, such as river walls and embankments
• Implementing flood risk management plans, which include measures to reduce the risk of flooding and mitigate its impacts
• Monitoring river levels and flows to predict and respond to flood events

The Environment Agency takes a catchment-based approach to managing drainage in North Yorkshire, working to maintain and improve the health of entire river basins. This includes:

• Managing water quality and quantity
• Maintaining and improving habitats for wildlife
• Promoting sustainable land use practices

In the city of York, drainage management is critical for preventing flooding and maintaining the city's historic architecture. The City of York Council works closely with the Environment Agency to manage flood risk and promote sustainable drainage practices.

The Environment Agency works to manage the flow of water in North Yorkshire's rivers and streams, including:

• Maintaining and improving drainage infrastructure, such as weirs and sluices
• Monitoring river levels and flows to predict and respond to flood events
• Promoting sustainable land use practices to reduce soil erosion and increase soil permeability

In North Yorkshire's coastal areas, drainage management is critical for preventing flooding and erosion. The Environment Agency works to maintain and improve coastal defenses, such as sea walls and dunes.

For more information on drainage management in North Yorkshire, please refer to the following PDF resources:

• Environment Agency: Flood Risk Management Plan for North Yorkshire
• North Yorkshire County Council: Drainage Strategy for North Yorkshire

If you have concerns about drainage in North Yorkshire, you can contact the Environment Agency or North Yorkshire County Council to report an issue or request an investigation. A member of the team will be happy to assist you.

For more information on drainage management in North Yorkshire, or to report an issue, please call 01423 443262.