Drainage

Drainage refers to the movement of water through naturally occurring rivers, creeks, streams and waterways, or through the construction of ditches, pipes and pumping stations.

The Town of Essex maintains over 380 municipal drains. Agricultural production is a key industry in the rural areas of the municipality and requires sufficient drainage.

What is a municipal drain?

• Fact Sheet: So, What's a Municipal Drain
• The Drainage Act & Roles of Council and Drainage Board 

Under the Ontario Drainage Act, the Town of Essex is responsible for the maintenance, repair, improvement and expansion of the Town’s drain infrastructure.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) provides resources and tools about agricultural drainage and the Drainage Act that may be used to access further information.