Unsecured deposits such as compost heaps, firewood storage and waste such as green waste, building rubble, tires, etc. do not belong on the watercourse. If they are too close to the watercourse, they can be washed away during floods and become wedged further downstream at narrow points, such as bridges. The water can no longer drain away, backs up, overflows the banks and leads to flooding.

Structures, such as a tool shed or garden shed, that are too close to the watercourse can be an obstacle to runoff in the event of flooding. The following must be observed.

• No deposits in the bank area and on embankments
• No structures in the bank area without a permit under water law
• Heating oil tanks in the floodable area must not be allowed to float. Buoyancy protection is required by law.

Violations of the aforementioned regulations constitute administrative offenses and can be punished with a fine and even criminal prosecution in the case of intentional acts.

Failure to comply with legal obligations can constitute a breach of obligation in insurance contracts, in which case, for example, the liability insurance will not pay out in the event of damage.

Legislation imposes strict requirements regarding deposits and structures in the floodplain. This corresponds to the inundation area of the 100-year flood. They are generally prohibited there unless a permit has been obtained.