About Us
For generations, the Water Management Alliance’s (WMA) Member Boards (IDBs) have managed water levels, reduced flood risk, supported farming, communities and habitats across the region. Our work often goes unseen, but when floods don’t happen or droughts are avoided, it’s because we’re maintaining and improving the drainage network year-round.
Climate change is bringing more frequent and extreme weather. The risk of flooding and drought is growing. Our work has never been more important.
We are committed to strengthening our systems, adapting to new challenges, and working with partners and communities. Together, we aim to build long-term resilience across our catchments.
Use the links below to learn more about each of our Member Board’s Legal Chronology and see the timeline of how each of them became part of the WMA consortium.
The Water Management Alliance is built on the legacy of many individual Internal Drainage Boards, each with its own history.
Explore the evolution of each IDB below to see how they became part of the WMA consortium.
A group of Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) in Norfolk band together to share resources and expertise. Founding members include:
Marshland Smeeth & Fen IDB joins the consortium, expanding its footprint in West Norfolk.
Gaywood and Snettisham IDBs merge to continue as a single Gaywood IDB.
West of Ouse IDB, Gaywood IDB, Magdalen IDB, Wingland IDB, and Marshland Smeeth & Fen IDBs merge to become the King’s Lynn IDB.
Boards form two new larger IDBs:
Lower Yare First and Fourth IDBs merge into the Broads (2006) IDB.
King’s Lynn IDB, Norfolk Rivers IDB, and Broads (2006) IDB are joined by South Holland IDB to form the Water Management Alliance (WMA).
East Suffolk IDB, later renamed East Suffolk Water Management Board (WMB), in 2023, becomes part of the WMA.
Waveney, Lower Yare & Lothingland IDB joins the partnership.
Pevensey & Cuckmere Water Level Management Board (WLMB) becomes a member of the WMA.
