Water management systems are usually operated by either an environmental agency, canal trust or an internal drainage board. Contact details for engineers and responsible persons for water management systems should be displayed nearby. Fire and rescue services should maintain a database of managers of known water management risks and contact details as appropriate.

In certain regions warnings of increased activation of water management systems, such as Strong Stream Advice notifications given by the Environment Agency in certain regions of England. Warnings will give an indication of an increased likelihood of activation.