This paper gives a brief introduction to one aspect of the subject of water in rivers. It is concerned mainly with recent experience in river basin management and in flood mitigation. Brief mention is made of the problems of sediment movement through river systems. It provides a basis for developing a 'vision' for how we view flooding and flood protection and how we should deal with flooding problems. The paper has been revised and updated in the light of international discussions which were coordinated through the International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research. The main factors which need to be considered regarding river flooding include technical, social and political aspects as follows (a) the importance of all parties understanding the issues, including acknowledgement that absolute security from flooding is neither technically possible (or even desirable) nor economically justifiable (b) flood forecasting technologies (c) flood warning procedures and responsibilities (d) flood protection including consideration of structural and non-structural methods (e) the acceptance of procedures and designs which are based on a sound analysis of risk (f) the importance of good communications before, during and after flood events (g) the desire to create sustainable conditions for future generations (h) environmental implications of flood defences in the broadest sense establishing appropriate institutional arrangements and policies for flood management (j) integrated planning over the river basin.