CHAPTER XVII 

 DRAINAGE DISTRICTS 



Definitions. The drainage district is an organization of 

 the owners of land for the purpose of constructing and main- 

 taining a drainage system where the cost is to be shared in 

 proportion to the benefits derived. Such an organization is 

 necessary where an individual cannot drain without involving 

 the use of the land of his neighbors. A drainage district 

 may include at least three classes of land: First, all of the 

 adjacent land which in itself may not be in immediate need 

 of drainage; second, land in partial need of drainage; and 

 third, worthless land which would be reclaimed by drainage. 



In every drainage district there are two kinds of work: 

 First the co-operative work, such as the construction of large 

 drains or ditches; second, the individual work required by 

 land owners in supplying laterals or submains. 



Drainage Laws. The organization of drainage districts 

 is a matter which involves many details and which is subject 

 to special laws in most states. These special drainage laws 

 usually cover the essential steps of procedure; and the 

 features of the organization of a drainage district are as 

 follows: First, the right of the property owners to petition 

 for the construction of drains alleged to be of public benefit. 

 Second, provision for making and collecting assessments, as 

 well as the appraisement and payment of damages. Third, 

 the establishment of the perpetual right of land owners to 

 the use of the drains which are to be constructed in the 

 district. Fourth, the authority to obtain money by incur- 

 ring debt or selling bonds, under the proper legal regulations. 



108 



