What is a state drainage system?
The land improvement system belongs to the property, which means that the landowner is responsible for its maintenance. The Land and Spatial Planning Agency (MaRu) only coordinates major maintenance work on jointly managed drainage systems (state drainage systems) administered by the state.
- A state drainage system is a joint drainage system with a catchment area of over 10 km² that is maintained by the state.
- State drainage systems are not owned by the state, but the state organizes renovation work on them, which is planned in renovation projects.
State watercourses are included in the list of public watercourses maintained by the state.
Major works on state-owned watercourses
MaRu carries out major works, such as removing sediment and flow obstructions, to ensure that excess water drains away from the drainage network. The renovation project is preceded by thorough research.
- Land and Spatial Development board organizes procurement for all of these works, including research, design, and construction.
- However, the removal of smaller obstructions is the responsibility of the landowner.
Last updated: 31.10.2025
