The Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners (MACDC) is the professional association for County Drain and Water Resources Commissioners. MACDC is dedicated to protection of the health, safety, and welfare of Michigan’s citizens, while also seeking to protect and restore Michigan’s water resources. We seek to accomplish these goals by promoting collaboration, continuing education, and professional development.

Drain commissioners, sometimes called water resources commissioners, are county-level officials responsible for administering laws involving flood protection, stormwater management, and soil erosion. Some specific duties performed by the drain commissioner include: establishing, improving, and maintaining county drains; reviewing stormwater drainage plans for construction that may impact a county drain; and maintaining lake levels, where applicable. Drain commissioners may serve on park boards or lake improvement boards. In some counties, the drain commissioner is also responsible for ensuring compliance with stormwater regulatory programs and operating and maintaining sanitary sewer systems.

Contact your Drain Commissioner

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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MACDC HISTORY

MACDC was established in 1899. Drainage was vital to settlement in Michigan since the state was historically dominated by swamps, posing potential health risks and making the land unfavorable for farming. One of the first laws passed by the new Michigan Legislature was a drainage act that led to the creation of drain commissioners, who since then have played a significant role in ensuring our lands are livable and suitable for agriculture and other uses. Without proper management of stormwater, flooding may occur, adversely impacting homes, businesses, and farmland. Although responsibilities vary by county, all drain commissioners play a role in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.