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Minnesota is home to one of the nation's largest systems of manmade drainage ditches. Artificial drainage systems provide a framework for moving water across the landscape. Agricultural drainage in Faribault County consists of 111 public drainage systems and countless miles of private tile. Within Faribault County's borders, over 240 miles of public open ditch and 700 miles of tile remove excess water from the landscape. This is in addition to approximatley 460 miles of natural flowing rivers and streams.
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How it all began
Public drainage projects began in the mid 1800's for public health purposes and to remove excess water for agricultural and urban storm water. The first public ditch established in Faribault County was in June 1904. It is CD3 in Lura, Barber, and Walnut Lake townships.
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Facts & Information
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Public drainage ditches and tile are owned by the people who benefit from them.
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By State Statute, County Drainage Authorities are established to manage and maintain public drainage systems.
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The Faribault County Board of Commissioners are the Drainage Authority.
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Drainage Authorities have the right and obligation to maintain public drainage systems to the original depth, grade, and capacity as originally designed. Routine maintenance includes cleaning of sediment and other debris that hinders the efficiency of the system.
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Repairs include fixing broken tile, removing trees, installing new inlets in place of gullies, etc.
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All benefited parcels pay a proportionate cost of repairs regardless of the location of the repair.
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Most public systems in Faribault County are operated under the original benefits determined at establishment.
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Redetermination of Benefits is a formal process to identify all users of a drainage system and access specific benefits to each parcel of land.
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Redetermination of Benefits ensures a fair and equitable share of repair costs.
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The Redetermination of Benefits process requires the acquisition of a 1rod (16.5 foot) buffer. A 1 rod buffer along both sides of an open ditch for one mile is 4 acres.
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Buffers help reduce wind and water erosion.
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Buffers allow for routine maintenance during the growing season.
Additional information may be found at the following links:
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