Indiana Drainage Handbook Guide

Indiana Drainage Handbook Guide – The Indiana Drainage Handbook serves as the primary administrative and technical guide for drainage improvement activities in Indiana’s streams, ditches, and regulated drains. Property owners, farmers, contractors, county surveyors, engineers, and regulatory agencies across the USA (with a focus on Indiana) rely on it to navigate federal, state, and local regulations while implementing best management practices (BMPs) that minimize environmental impacts.

This guide remains the go-to reference for compliant drainage work in Indiana, even as an update is underway in 2026.

What Is the Indiana Drainage Handbook?

The Indiana Drainage Handbook is an official publication that explains laws, permitting processes, and environmentally sound BMPs for drainage activities in Indiana waterways. Prepared by Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. under Public Law 329-1995 and administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), it clarifies how to perform drainage work while protecting human life, property, fish, wildlife, and aquatic resources.

It addresses both “regulated drains” (under county drainage boards) and other drainageways, including streams, ditches, and tile drains. The handbook emphasizes case-by-case application of practices rather than blanket use along entire channels.

History and Development of the Indiana Drainage Handbook

The original handbook was published in October 1996. It received a major update and reprint in October 1999. An 11-member gubernatorial work group—including representatives from county drainage boards, state and federal agencies, environmental groups, and agricultural organizations—oversaw its development.

The 1999 version remains the current official document available on the IDNR website. No full revision occurred for over 25 years until recent legislation prompted an update.

Purpose and Scope of the Indiana Drainage Handbook

The handbook has three main goals:

  • Clarify federal, state, and local laws affecting drainage activities.
  • Describe specific BMPs that reduce adverse environmental impacts.
  • Provide procedures for quick access to agency personnel.

Its scope covers drainage improvement projects within or adjacent to Indiana drainageways. It is not a detailed design manual but a guide that points users to additional technical references. It serves as a companion to the Indiana Handbook for Erosion Control in Developing Areas and the Indiana Stormwater Quality Manual.

Key Sections of the Indiana Drainage Handbook

The handbook organizes content into six main sections plus appendices:

  • Section 1 – Introduction: Purpose, scope, background, and how to use the handbook.
  • Section 2 – Description of Permitting Processes: Details permits from local governments, IDNR, IDEM, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and USDA-NRCS.
  • Section 3 – Required Permits for Drainage Improvement Activities: Summarizes authorizations and mitigation needs.
  • Section 4 – Selection Guide for Drainage Improvement Activities: Planning process, factors to consider, and practice selection tables.
  • Section 5 – Best Management Practices: Detailed descriptions of over 40 practices (see below).
  • Section 6 – References: Technical sources and contacts.

Extensive appendices provide glossaries, permit forms, agency contacts, and regulatory materials.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) Covered in the Handbook

Section 5 is the heart of the handbook and groups practices into categories for practical use:

  • Site Assessment and Preparation (Practices 101–107): Site assessment, tree preservation, temporary wetland crossings, diversions, silt fencing, straw bale filters, and clearing/grubbing.
  • Tile Drain Installation and Repair (201–204): Installation, repair, breather pipes, and inlets.
  • Debrushing and Vegetation Control (301–304): Chemical, hand, and mechanical methods plus stump removal.
  • Logjam Removal and River Restoration (401–403): Hand and heavy machinery methods, plus large-scale restoration.
  • Eroded Streambank Repair (501–515): Vegetative techniques (live stakes, fascines, brush mattresses) and structural options (riprap, retaining walls, cribwalls).
  • Channel Excavation, Dredging, and Reconstruction (601–706): Bottom dipping, bank excavation, grass/riprap/concrete linings, transitions, and grade stabilization.
  • Sediment Control and Floodwater Retention (801–804): In-channel basins, vegetative filter strips, and hydraulic dredging.
  • Stream Crossings and Outlet Protection (901–1002): Culverts, bridges, fords, tile extensions, and riprap aprons.
  • Revegetation and Stabilization (1101–1104): Mulching, seeding, bonded fiber matrix, and erosion control blankets.
  • Mitigation Measures (1201–1204): Wetland replacement, stream enhancement, log check dams, and tree replacement.
  • Other Practices (1301–1303): Debris disposal, limited livestock access, and permanent maintenance access.

Each practice includes a description, purpose, applicability, advantages, constraints, design guidelines, maintenance tips, and references. The handbook stresses using native species, protecting wetlands, and selecting practices based on site-specific conditions like flow velocity and soil type.

Permitting Processes for Indiana Drainage Projects

Section 2 and 3 provide clear guidance on required approvals from:

  • Local governments (Indiana Drainage Code IC 36-9-27).
  • IDNR Division of Water.
  • IDEM (water quality certification).
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Section 404/10 permits).
  • USFWS (endangered species).
  • USDA-NRCS (wetland conservation compliance).

The handbook outlines pre-application coordination, exempt activities (e.g., normal farming), application requirements, review timelines, and mitigation sequencing (avoid, minimize, compensate). Early agency consultation is strongly recommended to avoid delays.

How to Use the Indiana Drainage Handbook for Your Project?

  1. Classify your drainageway (closed tile, man-made ditch, or natural stream).
  2. Conduct a thorough site assessment.
  3. Review Section 4 selection tables for appropriate practices.
  4. Apply BMPs from Section 5.
  5. Follow permitting steps in Sections 2–3.
  6. Document everything for compliance.

This structured approach helps streamline permits and reduces environmental risks.

Recent Developments: The 2026 Update to the Indiana Drainage Handbook

The Indiana Drainage Handbook has not received a full update since 1999. In 2024, Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 140-2024 directed the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) to oversee a comprehensive revision.

An advisory board representing farmers, county surveyors, engineers, conservation districts, IDNR, IDEM, USFWS, NRCS, construction, and environmental interests first met in December 2024 and again in July 2025. Christopher B. Burke Engineering is leading the update, with stakeholder input via surveys and interviews. A draft is expected by mid-May 2026, followed by a public presentation in June 2026. The updated handbook will be posted on ISDA and IDNR websites.

Until the new version releases, continue using the 1999 edition while monitoring ISDA and IDNR sites for the latest.

Who Should Use the Indiana Drainage Handbook?

  • Farmers and landowners managing tile drains or ditch maintenance.
  • County surveyors and drainage boards overseeing regulated drains.
  • Contractors and engineers planning streambank repairs or crossings.
  • Developers and municipalities handling stormwater or construction drainage.
  • Regulatory staff at IDNR, IDEM, COE, and local agencies.

It is essential for anyone involved in Indiana drainage projects to ensure compliance and environmental stewardship.

  • Indiana Stormwater Quality Manual (IDEM/IDNR companion document).
  • Indiana Handbook for Erosion Control in Developing Areas.
  • Purdue University / NRCS Indiana Drainage Guide (for agricultural soils).
  • INDOT Design Manual Chapter 203 (Hydraulics and Drainage).
  • Local county drainage ordinances and stormwater manuals.

Accessing and Downloading the Indiana Drainage Handbook

The complete 1999 handbook is freely available as a single PDF or by individual section on the official IDNR page.

Visit: https://www.in.gov/dnr/water/publications/indiana-drainage-handbook/ for the electronic version and section links. The full PDF is at https://www.in.gov/dnr/water/files/allhbook.pdf.

Bookmark the ISDA advisory board page for update announcements: https://www.in.gov/isda/boards/indiana-drainage-handbook-advisory-board/.

Why Compliance with the Indiana Drainage Handbook Matters?

Following the Indiana Drainage Handbook helps Indiana property owners and contractors complete projects efficiently, avoid costly delays or violations, protect water quality, and preserve habitat. In a state with extensive agricultural drainage and growing development pressures, the handbook balances practical drainage needs with environmental responsibility.

Stay informed about the upcoming 2026 update—it will reflect current regulations, emerging practices, and stakeholder feedback to better serve Hoosier farmers, landowners, and communities.

For the most current guidance, always consult the official IDNR and ISDA websites and contact your local county surveyor or regulatory agency early in project planning. Proper use of the Indiana Drainage Handbook ensures successful, compliant, and sustainable drainage solutions across Indiana.