Environment and projects · France and Switzerland : separate country-labelled rules
Surface-water flow: land, drainage and alterations
Natural surface-water flow is different from a pipe, artificial discharge or drainage altered by building work. The land configuration and any aggravation need to be documented before responsibility is assessed. France and Switzerland use distinct property and water rules. The site map records slopes, dated observations and modifications without deciding liability from the uphill owner's location alone.
- Terrain levels and properties
- Observed natural flow
- Works or obstruction
- Timeline and evidence
- Official texts cited
- Sources checked on
- Drafted with AI assistance, our method
General legal information with official references and dated checks. It is not personalised advice: for a decision that commits you, have your situation checked by a qualified professional.
Julie by AlphaDeep
Does water flow naturally without human intervention?
French Civil640 concerns this flow and associated limits. A contractual drainage pipe is a different issue.
Read the referencesYour question concerns “Surface-water flow: land, drainage and alterations”. I can help organise the facts and records. Which document have you received or prepared, and is this a French or Swiss matter?
3 free questions at signup. Avoid names and sensitive information.
How do the properties' levels relate?
Describe higher and lower land using existing plans. The worksheet performs no hydraulic survey from an address.
Code civil art.640Code civil art.641Code civil art.681210 : Art. 689210 : Art. 690
Does water flow naturally without human intervention?
French Civil640 concerns this flow and associated limits. A contractual drainage pipe is a different issue.
Which records are still missing from your file?
Indicate which records you have. The result identifies gaps and prepares a complete question for Julie, without requiring an account.
Fictional example · Your preparation
Point to complete: Timeline and evidence. Keep plans, photographs and findings without altering records. Flooding alone does not establish the source of all water.
- Terrain levels and properties
- Record available
- Observed natural flow
- Record available
- Works or obstruction
- Record available
- Timeline and evidence
- Needs checking
- Records indicated
- 3 / 4
- Which dated evidence shows the change?
This worksheet organises records; it does not establish admissibility, entitlement or a procedural outcome.
Which works changed the situation?
Separate downstream obstruction and alleged upstream aggravation. Compare earlier state, earthworks and water path.
Which dated evidence shows the change?
Keep plans, photographs and findings without altering records. Flooding alone does not establish the source of all water.
What Swiss rule applies separately?
CC 689 concerns natural flow between higher and lower land;690 addresses drainage and a possible conduit within its own conditions.
Code civil art.640Code civil art.641Code civil art.681210 : Art. 689210 : Art. 690
Which documents answer which questions?
| Record or information | Issue to check |
|---|---|
| Terrain levels and properties | Describe higher and lower land using existing plans. The worksheet performs no hydraulic survey from an address. |
| Observed natural flow | French Civil640 concerns this flow and associated limits. A contractual drainage pipe is a different issue. |
| Works or obstruction | Separate downstream obstruction and alleged upstream aggravation. Compare earlier state, earthworks and water path. |
| Timeline and evidence | Keep plans, photographs and findings without altering records. Flooding alone does not establish the source of all water. |
Code civil art.640Code civil art.641Code civil art.681210 : Art. 689210 : Art. 690
Is roof-water discharge the same natural-flow issue?
No. France's Civil681 has a distinct subject. Identify the actual water source before selecting a legal basis.
Code civil art.640Code civil art.641Code civil art.681210 : Art. 689210 : Art. 690
Does slope alone prove a contractual pipe easement?
No. Conventional title and natural flow do not establish each other. Public water or works permissions are also separate.
Which official provision helps explain this situation?
Les fonds inférieurs sont assujettis envers ceux qui sont plus élevés à recevoir les eaux qui en découlent naturellement sans que la main de l'homme y ait contribué.
In plain English: CC 689 concerns natural flow between higher and lower land;690 addresses drainage and a possible conduit within its own conditions.
What does the runoff sketch prepare?
It organises levels, source, works and evidence. It determines neither liability nor insurance coverage.
What other questions arise in this file?
Does water flow naturally without human intervention?
French Civil640 concerns this flow and associated limits. A contractual drainage pipe is a different issue.
Code civil art.640Code civil art.641Code civil art.681210 : Art. 689210 : Art. 690
Which dated evidence shows the change?
Keep plans, photographs and findings without altering records. Flooding alone does not establish the source of all water.
Code civil art.640Code civil art.641Code civil art.681210 : Art. 689210 : Art. 690
What Swiss rule applies separately?
CC 689 concerns natural flow between higher and lower land;690 addresses drainage and a possible conduit within its own conditions.
Code civil art.640Code civil art.641Code civil art.681210 : Art. 689210 : Art. 690
Does slope alone prove a contractual pipe easement?
No. Conventional title and natural flow do not establish each other. Public water or works permissions are also separate.
Code civil art.640Code civil art.641Code civil art.681210 : Art. 689210 : Art. 690
Which official references should you consult?
- Code civil art.640Légifrance
- Code civil art.641Légifrance
- Code civil art.681Légifrance
- 210 : Art. 689Fedlex
- 210 : Art. 690Fedlex
Texts cited last checked: 1 November 2026