Drainage Program

Why is Water Drainage Necessary?

In this region of the United States, the annual rainfall (about 36 inches), relatively flat  deforested landscape, and hydric soil types with high clay content are some of the reasons why rain often pools in low lying areas and also creates significant flow over the ground surface (runoff) during a storm. 

Actually, most of this area of Ohio was swamp land when white settlers first arrived.  To make the land suitable for agriculture, early farmers dug drainage ditches and installed clay tile, in cooperation with their neighbors. 

In urban areas, storm water drainage systems (storm sewers and culverts) are necessary because rain water accumulates too quickly on impervious surfaces – streets, parking lots, sidewalks, roofs of buildings, etc. instead of soaking into the ground.  Storm water systems carry rainwater to the nearest creek or river.  

The benefits of an effective drainage system are increased agricultural productivity, drier basements, better functioning septic systems, safer roads, and mitigation of flooding and erosion.