Policy paper

Jubilee River flood alleviation scheme

Updated 29 September 2021

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jubilee-river-flood-alleviation-scheme/jubilee-river-flood-alleviation-scheme

The Jubilee River was built by the Environment Agency and opened in 2002. It is part of the Maidenhead Windsor and Eton Flood Alleviation Scheme (MWEFAS) and is a man made, 11.6 kilometre stretch of naturalistic river and habitats. The scheme reduces the risk of flooding to approximately 3,000 properties in Maidenhead, Windsor, Eton and Cookham.

The Jubilee River diverts river water from the River Thames upstream of Maidenhead, running parallel and to the north of the river, and rejoins the Thames downstream of Windsor.

Under normal conditions, the Jubilee River provides a local recreational and wildlife amenity. In flood conditions, water is diverted from the Thames and into the Jubilee River. This reduces flood levels in the River Thames running through Maidenhead, Windsor, Eton and Cookham.

Along the length of the Jubilee River are several weirs that keep water at levels similar to those experienced in the River Thames. The scheme also incorporates flood embankments to the north of Maidenhead and the west and north of Cookham.

The Jubilee River reduces flood risk to properties by increasing the total flood capacity of the channels flowing through the area. While it does not protect communities downstream of the scheme, it operates so that flood levels downstream are not adversely affected.

A short video has been produced that explains how the Jubilee River works. View it on the Environment Agency River Thames Waterways Team Facebook page.

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