1998 Flood Damages and Remedial Action

In 1967, five special agencies, river boards, were established to implement the goals of the General Master Plan within the natural boundaries of main river basins in the Czech Republic. One of these boards, Povodí Labe, a.s., is in charge of water use in the hydrological watershed of the Elbe river and is responsible for operation and maintenance of certain types of rivers. These rivers include those that are (a) used for drinking water supply, (b) important from the water management point of view (i.e. with watershed greater than 5 km2), or (c) border rivers. The Board’s principal policy is directed towards administration and protection of water resources and creation of conditions for their sustainable use, while respecting ecological interests of the society. Besides such tasks, as for example the operation of dams, weirs and navigation facilities, the Board looks after the operation and channel maintenance of important rivers. Consequently, it is responsible for recovery actions directed to repair flood damages in river courses.