Absorbs Stormwater Runoff Reduces the chance of Water-Borne Diseases Inhibit water damage to public roads Good drainage allows plant roots to receive enough oxygen to mature properly Allows the soil to absorb and store more rainfall, which reduces runoff from the soil surface that causes soil erosion Increases the number of days available for planting and harvesting crops Increases soil surface temperatures that help seeds germinate Helps plants grow their roots deeper into the soil so they can absorb more nutrients and water from the soil
DRAINAGE AN ESSENTIAL UTILITY In the 1800s, farmers dug man-made ditches for the sole purpose of turning unproductive swampland into lush, fertile farm ground. The same valuable farmland generations of agriculture producers have farmed to earn a living and feed the world. These man-made ditches today serve the same purpose of draining storm runoff as they have for centuries. The only difference is some ditches drain acres of farmland and others drain miles of concrete.
DRAINAGE DISTRICTS, A FUNDAMENTAL FEDERATION Drainage Districts are small units of local government created by petition or referendum and court approval. They have the power to construct and maintain drainage improvements and to pay for the improvements with assessments on the land within the district boundaries.
