Welcome to the Van Buren County Drain Commissioner’s Office!
Our mission: Enhance and maintain stormwater drainage for the health, safety, convenience, and welfare of our community. We are committed to being responsible stewards of our natural and financial resources.
The Michigan Drain Code governs our responsibilities. We manage over 540 county drains and stormwater systems in Van Buren County. These include open ditches, streams, underground pipes, retention ponds, and swales. Drains are established through a petition process by property owners or local governments.
Our systems manage stormwater, prevent floods, and protect streams for both agricultural and developed areas. We handle financial records, inspections, and maintenance of these drains within county drainage districts. Costs are covered by drain assessments.
We also oversee eleven lake levels in the county, as required by the Inland Lake Levels and Dam Safety Acts. Each lake structure is inspected every three years and reported to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Our office reviews and approves stormwater systems in private developments under the Michigan Land Division Act. We also administer the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program to protect Michigan’s natural resources.
Contact Information
For Drain Assessment Payoffs, please contact Georgia Genis at: [email protected] or call 269-657-8241.
