Drainage in Illinois: Ramifications for River Health

Thousands of stream miles in Illinois are impacted by activities of small units of government called drainage districts, many in headwater streams that are not often monitored by state environmental agencies.

Each district, governed by three commissioners, has the authority to assess taxes within the district and perform maintenance needed to provide adequate drainage. Unfortunately, drainage practices have not changed much since the enabling legislation was adopted in 1879, despite the adoption in the early 1970s, of an environmental protection clause was added that required drainage district commissioners to protect environmental values, such as trees, fish and other wildlife. As a result, new drainage projects and maintenance activities can have serious impacts on river health.

Streamside habitat alteration, such as channelization and maintenance work performed by drainage districts, is the third leading cause of Clean Water Act impairments in Illinois -- meaning that these streams do not meet water quality or aquatic life goals -- totaling over 2700 miles of rivers and streams, according to Illinois EPA.

Drainage districts frequently remove shade-giving trees along rivers and streams, dredge and remove elements of aquatic habitat along the stream bottom, and increase habitat fragmentation by disconnecting streamside forested corridors. Altering a stream's habitat has a profoundly negative impact on aquatic life. Specifically, this work can:

Destroy wildlife habitat, spawning areas, and food sources for fish, birds, reptiles, and other animals;

Increase water temperatures, harming many aquatic species;

Increase flood heights, streambank erosion and streambed scour;

Increase sedimentation, filling in aquatic habitat, and reducing fish spawning;

Reduce the stream's capability to assimilate pollutants such as nutrients;

Reduce the recreational opportunity and aesthetic appeal of flowing waters, at the site of the disturbance as well as many miles downstream; and,

Impact the overall health of the stream.

Fortunately, new techniques and approaches to drainage have the possibility of providing needed drainage for property and farm, while providing greater protection to water quality, wildlife habitat, and fisheries. Prairie Rivers Network is advocating for the adoption of improved drainage techniques and that will also protect the environment.

Researchers at the University of Illinois have put together a white paper on the informational needs that would help drainage district commissioners make informed decisions and use more targeted drainage techniques that could minimize environmental impacts and costs to taxpayers. You may download this file on the University of Illinois Extension webpage (http://www.wq.uiuc.edu/drainage.html).

You may also read the Illinois Drainage Code.

To learn more about this issue and to download our new Citizen's Guide to Illinois' Agricultural Drainage Practices and Law", click here.

Reports

"A Citizen's Guide to Illinois' Agricultural Drainage Practices and Law"