Groundwater Adjustment

When it rains, some of the water sinks into the ground. It then flows slowly through the soil into a ditch. Health for groundwater is important for a safe and pleasant living environment.

Water flows through the soil

In an area with many ditches, groundwater can drain easily. It also varies by soil type how well water can flow through the soil. Some soils have a special system to allow groundwater to flow through (drainage system). If groundwater can flow away more quickly, there is less chance of groundwater flooding.

Adjusting the groundwater

The State Water Board indirectly affects groundwater. Our pumping stations keep the water in the ditch from rising above the agreed-upon water level. Usually a high water level in the ditch causes a higher groundwater level. If the water level in the ditch is very low, so is usually the groundwater level. Therefore, we make sure there is enough water in the ditch. This way, the soil does not become too dry and the chance of damage to foundations remains small.

If an area has few ditches or if water cannot flow well through the soil, a lower water level in the ditch has little effect on the groundwater level.