In the past the Brue had an important role as a transport route, and also as a food source. Now its chief role is for leisure and recreation.
Floods have had a big impact on the area. Flood prevention is coordinated by the Somerset Rivers Authority, which draws together Somerset Council, the Axe Brue and Parrett Internal Drainage Boards, (IDBs), Environment Agency, Natural England, Wessex Regional Flood & Coastal Committee and Wessex Water.