Natural water flow between plots in Portugal

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A lower plot must accept water that runs down naturally from higher plots, but neither owner may build works that block or worsen the flow (Código Civil, art. 1351.º).

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Law

Código Civil (Decreto-Lei n.º 47344/66)

Article

1351.º

Lower plots

Must receive water that runs down naturally from higher plots, with the earth and rubble it carries (n.º 1)

Lower owner

May not build works that obstruct the flow (n.º 2)

Upper owner

May not build works that make the flow worse (n.º 2)

Drainage easement

A legal drainage easement (servidão legal de escoamento) is available in the cases the law allows (art. 1563.º)

Official text

pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=775&tabel...

Sources

pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=775&tabel...
pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=775&tabel...

Checked

2026-11-05