ADA has set out recommendations in line with Government guidelines to ensure that the landscape and rural communities remain defended during the coronavirus pandemic national emergency.

ADA, the membership organisation for water level and flood risk management authorities throughout the UK, has been maintaining regular contact with the Environment Agency, internal drainage boards (IDBs) and other members during the coronavirus (COVID-19) national emergency.

ADA is reassuring communities that critical assets and operations to reduce flood risk and manage water levels will continue to be managed in a safe, secure and effective way.

ADA has agreed a series of recommendations for its members in line with Government advice. In particular, these aim to support the essential role that IDBs are playing in keeping watercourses flowing in the lowland landscape in order to reduce flood risk, and maintain water resources and the water environment.

According to ADA the focus in the current circumstances will be on those parts of their systems that are most important and urgent.

The recommendations encourage a proportionate and flexible approach by authorities, with officers working from home and utilising virtual meetings where possible.

For their workforce and operational partners, the measures include taking steps to maximise physical distancing when they are out on the ground maintaining and inspecting watercourses and assets.

Operational teams undertaking essential services have been designated key workers and will be adhering to the latest Government public health advice.

ADA chief executive Innes Thomson commented:

“IDBs, local authorities and the Environment Agency provide an essential public service by ensuring pumps, sluices and other critical flood defence assets remain up and running, which protect people, property, infrastructure and farmland.”

“First and foremost, our number one priority is of course, protecting public health, including that of our valued water management teams.”

“We have advised on a number of guidelines to reduce the risks to key teams and individual staff, while allowing water managers to provide these essential services to the public.”

ADA is the membership organisation for those involved in drainage, water level and flood risk management.

Members include Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), the Environment Agency, Regional Flood Defence Committees, Local Authorities, Natural Resources Wales, the Northern Ireland Rivers Agency, consultants, contractors and suppliers.