Report a blockage in a river in England

Use this service to report a blockage in a river in England.

Blockages might include:

  • fallen trees or other vegetation
  • vehicles
  • a buildup of rubbish or materials such as stone or soil
  • someone deliberately blocking the river

There’s a different way to:

Before you start

You’ll need to know:

  • where the blockage is
  • when you noticed it

You’ll need to give the location of the blockage, either by describing where it is or using the map in the service.

You only need to give your personal details if you’re happy to be contacted for more information.

You’ll need to give an email address if you want either to:

  • send photos
  • get a reference number

You cannot use this service to report other blocked watercourses, such as streams or canals. Contact your local council instead.

Report a river blockage

Start now

Report a river blockage by phone

If you cannot use the online service, you can call the Environment Agency.

Environment Agency incident hotline
Telephone: 0800 80 70 60
Open every day, 24 hours a day

Find out about call charges

After you’ve reported the problem

The Environment Agency will look at your report and decide if any action is needed.

You will not get updates on your report.

Report other environmental problems

How you report other problems depends on the type of problem and where it is. You may have to report it to:

  • the Environment Agency
  • your local council
  • your utilities company

Find out how to report other environmental problems.