Agricultural drainage
Resources on construction, maintenance, grants, resolving disputes and more. This information is for drainage engineers, drainage superintendents, drainage contractors, municipalities and the public.
Overview
Drainage is an essential service across Ontario for agriculture, roads, residential, commercial and industrial properties in both urban and rural settings.
Rural and agricultural drainage balances the needs of farmers and property owners with environmental and societal interests. It consists of a combination of private and communal drainage systems that eventually outlet into natural watercourses.
Guides
Publication 29: Drainage Guide for Ontario
Information on the planning, design, inspection and proper construction of agricultural drainage systems.
Guide for Engineers working under the Drainage Act
Information on balancing property owner needs, environmental interests, regulations and municipal infrastructure protection.
Guide for drainage superintendents working under the Drainage Act
Information on balancing property owner needs, environmental interests, regulations and municipal infrastructure protection.
Types of drains
Municipal drains
Learn about drains that are constructed, owned and maintained by the local municipality.
Mutual agreement drains
Learn about drains that are constructed, owned and maintained through an agreement between two or more property owners.
Award drains
Learn about drains created under the Ditches and Water Courses Act for nearly a century before the Act was repealed in 1963.
Municipal drains
Understanding drainage assessments
Learn about the components of a drainage assessment.
Minor improvement projects under the Drainage Act, 1990
Learn when it is necessary to make improvements to the drain because of changes in land use, agricultural practices and technology.
Updating an engineer’s report due to unforeseen circumstances during construction
Learn how to update an engineer’s report due to unforeseen circumstances during drainage construction.
Drainage Act appeals
Learn about who a landowner may appeal to when a drainage works is being proposed or improved under the Drainage Act, 1990.
Drainage Act and Conservation Authorities Act protocol for drain maintenance and repair
Learn how to meet the requirements of the Drainage Act, 1990 and the Conservation Authorities Act, 1990.
Drainage Act and Conservation Authorities Act protocol
Learn about appropriate practices and permit requirements for municipal drain maintenance and repair activities.
Drainage programs
Agricultural Drainage Infrastructure Program
Learn about grants for municipal drain construction, improvement, maintenance, repair and operations.
Agricultural Tile Drain Installation Licensing Program
Learn about tile drainage licensing, inspections and best practices for installing and operating on agricultural land.
Tile Loan Program
Learn how agricultural property owners can get loans for tile drainage projects.
Drainage disputes
Learn how common law applies to drainage and how to address disputes with neighbours.
Common law drainage problems between rural neighbours
Learn about common law drainage problems between rural neighbours and how to avoid legal action.
Drainage conflicts with your neighbour
Learn what laws apply and options to address drainage situations with neighbours.
Drainage conflict: natural watercourses
Learn about natural watercourses and the responsibilities of a riparian landowner.
Private drainage systems and roadside ditches
Learn how to manage private drainage systems that run along roadside ditches.
Drainage conflict: surface water
Learn about the flow of surface water and the right of drainage.
Key contacts
Get in touch with the organizations and people involved in agricultural and rural drainage.
Ministry staff
Browse a contact list of drainage staff at the Ontario government.
Land Improvement Contractors of Ontario
Association of professional contractors, drainage pipe and equipment suppliers, engineers and municipal drainage superintendents.
Drainage Superintendent Associations of Ontario
Association for drainage superintendents to exchange ideas and standardize drainage maintenance and activities in Ontario.
Contractors, superintendents and engineers
Use the map to find a drainage expert near you.
Land Drainage Committee
Affiliated with the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers to improve the practice of drainage engineering.
AgMaps
Use AgMaps, an interactive mapping website to determine the location of agricultural tile drainage systems and drains constructed under the Drainage Act.
Forms
Browse a list of forms related to tile drainage and municipal drains for municipalities, contractors and the public.
Legislation
Read the acts and regulations related to drainage.
Drainage Act
- O. Reg. 500/21: General
- O. Reg. 232/15: Rules of Practice and Procedure in Proceedings before the Referee
- O. Reg. 381/12: Forms