WATCH: Somerset's 10 year flood prevention scheme reaches major milestone
We've had an insight into how millions of pounds is being spent to protect communities
Last updated 3rd Oct 2025
A £10 million Somerset flood scheme is nearing completion near to Bridgwater - with the final stages expected to be finished in the coming weeks.
It’s part of the Somerset Rivers Authority River Sowy – KSD Enhancements Scheme (Phase 1) and also ties in with around £30million of other flood risk reduction works since the Somerset floods of 2013-14.
Work includes bank raising along King’s Sedgemoor Drain, near Chedzoy.
The Sowy-KSD scheme will enable nearly 25% more flood water to flow safely in channels through the River Sowy - KSD system. This system runs for 13.5 miles from Monk's Leaze Clyse sluice near Langport down to Dunball Sluice north of Bridgwater.
Creating more capacity in this system helps to protect homes, businesses, land and roads across 150 square miles of Somerset, especially around Langport and upstream of Langport.
Councillor Mike Stanton, Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority, said: "During the floods of 2013-14, which are estimated to have cost Somerset nearly £150 million, the single emergency action identified to make the biggest difference in reducing those floods' depth and duration, was making more use of the River Sowy.
"That's why, bit by bit over several years, partners in the SRA have since been working together to improve the Sowy-KSD system.
"The various things we've done between us are not a cure-all but they will make an important difference - especially because they tie in with more than £30million worth of other major flood risk reduction schemes that SRA partners have been involved with.
"Through our Sowy-KSD works, we've also helped to enhance the special environments of the Somerset Levels and Moors, which we know are precious for wildlife and valued by many people.
"So I'm very pleased to see this final stretch of KSD bank-raising being done and I'm grateful to all those who have helped."
Tony Bradford, Chair of the Parrett IDB and SRA vice-chair, said: "I've been involved with the SRA since it started more than 10 years ago. Throughout that whole time, because I've seen how bad flooding can be for people, people that I know and many more, I've been pressing for us to get our rivers sorted out.
"A lot of good work for this Sowy-KSD scheme was previously done by the Environment Agency. In the Parrett IDB, we've put some serious time and effort into following on from them and we're now getting this scheme done.
"We're in the SRA to reduce flooding - that's what we're doing here, and it makes me very happy to see it."
The Parrett IDB has been working on this final section of KSD bank raising with civil engineering consultants Calm Engineering and contractors WM Longreach.