Who is responsible? Ohio laws governing water rights and drainage are complex. Serious disputes between land owners are often settle in court on a case-by-case basis. The laws are not easily summarized, however the list below explains a few of the more common drainage laws.

• A landowner is entitled to the reasonable use of the water that flows across his/her land as long as the water is returned to its natural watercourse when it leaves the property. This includes ponding water behind a dam for personal use or making drainage improvements to protect structures.

• A landowner is generally required to accept the water that flows onto his/her property in a natural water course, so long as no additional water from another watershed has been added to such flow.

• A landowner is generally obligated to outlet a natural water course on his/her downstream neighbor at the same point the water left the property where it did prior to any development at the site. Put more simply, water should enter and leave your property where it did prior to any construction activities. Changing the flow of water in a manner that causes damage to upstream or downstream neighbors may result in legal liabilities for those damages.

• At this time, there is no government agency that has any authority to issue orders or otherwise resolve conflicts over water rights or drainage problems between neighbors. The exception my be the few cities that have drainage or storm water ordinances.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts can assist landowners who voluntarily wish to correct drainage problems on their own land. This often requires cooperation between adjoining property owners. Contact the Columbiana Soil and Water Conservation District at 1834-BSouth Lincoln Avenue, Salem, Ohio 44460. Phone (click to call): 330-332-8732 or 1-877-345-1198. Fax: 330-332-2976 www.columbiana.oh.nacdnet.org