Why is there water in the bottom of my ditch all the time?

There may be a number of reasons for water standing in a ditch following a rainfall. First, the ditch may be blocked or obstructed so the stormwater runoff can not flow to an outfall point. Second, the ditch may be deeper than the flow line of the drainage structures (pipes and/or inlet boxes) and the remaining water will have to be absorbed into the ground. And finally, you may be located in an area with a high water table and the water in the ditch may be ground water which will not be absorbed. One means of checking this situation is to check the level of the water several days after the rainfall and determine whether the level is lowering over time. You can also check the level of the ground water by digging a hole on your property and determining the elevation of the water table of the adjoining land.

Show All Answers

1. What is a drainage swale and why do I need it?
2. Why does water stand in my yard following a rainstorm?
3. Why is there water in the bottom of my ditch all the time?
4. What regulations control stormwater runoff from new developments?
5. I am concerned about the quality of our bays and natural water bodies, what is being done to protect them?
6. How can I make sure the new home I plan to purchase does not flood?