Ditch Information
How are Ditches Maintained?
BASIC MAINTENANCE
- Prevents unexpected failure.
- Abutting property owners can maintain roadside ditches by clearing ditches of obstructions such as:
- Overgrown vegetation and providing regular grass mowing.
- Trash and picking up litter and light debris.
- Unpermitted installations such as walls, bridges and inadequate landscaping.
DITCH RE-ESTABLISHMENT
- Significantly enhances ditch functionality.
- Houston Public Works is to provide:
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Regrading of ditches.
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Regular clearing and grubbing.
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The establishment of flow lines.
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Flushing and repair of culverts.
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The removal of heavy debris and obstructions.
Heavy machinery is often used during the ditch re-establishment process, which may cause temporary inconvenience to residents.
IS STANDING WATER IN A ROADSIDE DITCH NORMAL?
Yes. Roadside ditches are specifically designed to effectively divert water from away homes and streets and into our stormwater management system. Following rainfall, ditches may temporarily hold water as it gradually flows and filters downstream. Occasionally, stormwater may collect inside ditches due to varying heights of driveway culverts or uneven ditch flow lines.
Some ditches may need full rehabilitation after assessment, but temporary standing water does not always indicate that a ditch will qualify for re-establishment. If you observe that your roadside ditch retains water for more than 48 hours after a rain event, please call 311 for investigation.
For information or inquiries email:
- Roadside Ditch Re-Establishment Program
- [email protected]
