Give water space, check your ditch!
Starting Monday, October 20, during the fall inspection, our surveyors will check that the ditches in our area are well maintained. Well maintained ditches are necessary for a good supply, drainage and storage of water. In this way, water nuisance during heavy rainfall, or water shortage during extreme drought are reduced.
With the slogan "Give water space, check your ditch!" we call on owners of plots along a ditch to maintain their ditch. This must be completed before the start of the autumn inspection. The autumn inspection traditionally starts on the third Monday in October, this year on October 20.
Do you live along a ditch?
If you own a parcel of land adjacent to a ditch, you have a maintenance obligation and must maintain the ditch. In some cases the maintenance obligation is assigned differently. On the Autumn Survey page you will find a link to the Watershed Maintenance Map. That is a digital Map of the water system with all the maintenance rules. There you will find the information about the ditches adjacent to your plot. The Water Board itself also mows water plants from 6,500 km of ditches.
What is being checked for?
The surveyor checks that the ditch is free of debris, that reeds and aquatic plants do not obstruct water supply and drainage, that the walkways and shoring are well maintained, that trees and plants are trimmed at least three meters above the waterline, and that the works of art (such as culverts, bridges and baffles) are not overgrown and are in good condition. The owner of the artwork is responsible for maintaining the ditch up to three meters on either side of the artwork. Also on the side of the public road.
More room for growth
It is important that the supply and drainage of water is well regulated within our area. In addition, biodiversity is important. Therefore we have started to calculate all ditches to see how much vegetation can remain to guarantee a good supply and drainage. As of this year, it is therefore possible in many places to leave more than 10% overgrowth, which was the norm last year. You can see for yourself whether there is room for growth in your ditch in the Waterways Directive.
Learn more
For more information, see the Autumn Watch page. You can also call. During office hours, the scow team can be reached by calling 072 582 8282.
