A drain commissioner is in charge of surface water drainage in a particular area of business, such as a county or township. Depending on regional preference, different job titles, such as water resources commissioner, may be used to refer to people who hold this position. The state of Michigan in the United States has a comprehensive drain commissioner program, while other states may combine the work with other regional water quality and environmental agencies. Various agencies can manage surface water drainage concerns in areas where such a position does not exist.
A support staff assists this government official with various tasks in the office and in the field. To avoid problems like flooding and poor soil conditions, the drain commissioner works to ensure that surface water has effective and appropriate drainage routes. Reclaimed floodplains and marshes are used for development in many areas, and a drain commissioner is an important public official who works to keep this land usable. In flood-prone areas, this work may necessitate long-term flood control and prevention as well as ongoing water management.
Drain commissioners can inspect existing infrastructure to see if it meets community needs, and they can also supervise drainage system repairs, retrofitting, and routine maintenance. Ditches, culverts, storm drains, and other surface water conveyance systems are examples. Drain commissioners can inspect property to make sure it drains properly and safely, and they can order changes to real estate, such as the construction of a ditch, to better handle surface water.
The commissioner may need to review proposals for new developments or rezoning. The official determines whether the proposed use of the land will have any effect on surface drainage, such as when a paved parking lot resists water absorption, resulting in increased runoff. The commissioner may make recommendations to improve drainage or request changes to the plan to address drainage issues.
A drain commissioner’s office is typically funded by regional taxes. The job necessitates a significant amount of travel to various locations throughout the region. In some areas, the job may require qualifications such as a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, and support staff may require some education and training. The drain commissioner’s level of experience may vary depending on where this official is elected. Qualifications can be a big deal in a campaign, and most people have either formal education or experience with drainage issues, which can come from working under a previous drain commissioner.