Description
Drainage Boards set standards for drainage infrastructure and reduce flooding problems in new developments and adjacent neighborhoods with design requirements. Stormwater quality is also monitored by the board to protect the quality of drinking water and maintain fishing and swimming opportunities.
Strengths
Having a central authority can help ensure consistent design and regulation across the region, sharing the burden equally among stakeholders. Often times, those who create flooding problems do not see the impacts themselves.
Weaknesses
Additional regulation means additional cost, even to those who have had no problems in the past. Policies rarely charge those who are responsible for flooding, instead shifting the costs to the public as a whole.
Examples
Example 1: Monroe County, Indiana
Description: The county Drainage Board website has links to meeting minutes and the governing ordinances issued by the board.
Example 2: Michigan
Description: The governing law over drainage in Michigan. Within it are the laws upheld by the drainage boards and the roles they have in preserving water quality.
Example 3: Wisconsin
Description: A presentation made by the state Drainage District program explaining how drainage districts work and their value in the state of Wisconsin.
Example 4: New York
Description: Drainage laws and regulations for New York state.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection