£10million scheme cuts flood risks for Somerset Levels and Moors
Works are nearing completion on a major £10million Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) scheme to reduce flood risks for a large part of the Somerset Levels and Moors. 1.22miles (1.96kilometres) of the left bank of King's Sedgemoor Drain (KSD) are being raised by the Parrett Internal Drainage Board (IDB), working as a partner in the SRA. The bank-raising is the final part of a scheme that will enable nearly 25% more flood water to flow safely in channels through the connected River Sowy - KSD system. This system runs for 13.5 miles (22km) from Monk's Leaze Clyse sluice at Combe near Langport down to Dunball Sluice north of Bridgwater. Creating extra Sowy-KSD capacity helps to protect homes, businesses, land and roads across 150 square miles, especially around Langport and upstream of Langport.
Out now: Somerset Rivers Authority Annual Report 2024-25
Hundreds of places across Somerset are included in the newly published Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) Annual Report 2024-25. The report describes how the SRA spent £2.8 million on a wide range of schemes and activities designed to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding.
£9.7million upgrade completed at Dunball Sluice
Dunball Sluice - a vital flood defence asset near Bridgwater - has been successfully refurbished by the Environment Agency. A £9.7million project - part-funded by Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) - has given the sluice another 25 years of operational life. The Sluice plays an important role in helping to protect properties, businesses and internationally important habitats across the Somerset Levels and Moors.
2025 UK River Prize winner part-funded by SRA
A project part-funded by Somerset Rivers Authority has won the Catchment Restoration Award in the River Restoration Centre's 2025 UK River Prizes. The Holnicote Estate Project, led by the National Trust in West Somerset, was picked for its successes over the last seven years in restoring natural processes to the River Aller and Horner Water catchments.
Dam works starting at Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve
Work is starting on a major scheme to help protect the dam at Chard Reservoir from extreme future flooding. The project is led by Somerset Council and part-funded by Somerset Rivers Authority. Work is expected to be completed by the summer.
Huge barge in Bridgwater to help build Tidal Barrier
A major milestone is reached in the building of the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier with the arrival of a jack-up barge from Liverpool. It will enable the creation of a cofferdam, an enclosure pumped dry to allow for work below the water level of the River Parrett, and the construction of bearing piles for the Barrier’s foundations.






