What is a public ditch?

A public ditch is a drainage system managed by County Drainage Authority or Joint County Drainage Authority. The county does not own the ditch. The landowners who benefit from the ditch own the drainage system. A public ditch can be an open ditch system, an underground tile system or a combination of open ditch and underground tile.

Road ditches are not public ditches. Road ditches are the responsibility of the road authority.

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1. What is a public ditch?
2. Can the general public hunt along or use a public ditch for recreational purposes?
3. A public ditch is blocked or needs repair. What can be done to solve this problem?
4. I want to do some work in a public ditch. How do I get permission?
5. Who pays for ditch improvements and repairs?
6. When is the "one rod" ditch buffer required on a public ditch?
7. What is a ditch repair?
8. What is a ditch improvement?