A drainage commissioner oversees surface water drainage in a region, ensuring effective drainage routes to limit flooding and poor soil condition. They inspect infrastructure, review proposals for new development, and may require changes to address drainage issues. The job is typically funded by regional taxes and may require qualifications such as a civil engineering degree.
A drainage commissioner oversees surface water drainage in an area of operations, such as a county or township. Different job titles may be used to refer to people holding this job title, such as water resources commissioner, depending on regional preference. In the United States, the state of Michigan has an extensive drain commissioning program, while other states may pool work with other regional water quality and environmental agencies. In regions where this position does not exist, multiple agencies can manage surface water drainage concerns.
This government official typically has a support team that helps with various tasks in the office and in the field. The drainage commissioner works to ensure that surface water has effective and appropriate drainage routes to limit problems such as flooding and poor soil condition. In many regions, reclaimed floodplains and swamps are used for development, and a drainage commissioner is a critical public official who works to ensure that this land remains usable. In flood-prone regions, this work may require reflection on long-term flood control and prevention, as well as the management of ongoing water issues.
Drainage commissioners can inspect existing infrastructure to determine if it meets community needs and oversee repairs, upgrades, and routine maintenance of drainage systems. This can include ditches, culverts, storm drains and other systems that direct surface water. Drainage commissioners may inspect the property to confirm that it drains safely and properly and may require changes to the property, such as creating a ditch, to better handle surface water.
Proposals for new development or zoning may require review by the Commissioner. The official determines whether the proposed land use will affect surface drainage in any way, such as when a paved parking lot resists water absorption, creating more runoff. The commissioner may request some changes to the plan to address drainage issues or make recommendations to improve drainage.
Regional taxes typically fund operations in a drainage commissioner’s office. The work includes substantial travel to see various sites in the region. In some regions, the job may require qualifications such as a civil engineering degree, and support staff need some education and training. In areas where such an official is elected, the commissioner’s experience level may vary. Qualifications can become a significant issue in a campaign, and most people come to work with formal education or experience with drainage issues, sometimes through the work of a former commissioner.
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