By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
County commissioners say they’re not interested in stepping back into the business of drainage regulation — at least not right now.
The topic resurfaced this past week when County Highway Supervisor Andy Muller returned to revisit tiling concerns after discussion earlier this month.
Muller previously raised the issue in an effort to avoid damage to privately installed tile as road work ramps up again in county right-of-ways. Without clear records of where tile lines are located, projects can unintentionally cause costly damage — something he said could also expose the county to potential liability.
Following that conversation, the board has opted not to pursue new laws or resolutions that would require farmers or landowners to change how they install or manage tile systems.
Instead, the focus is shifting to awareness and cooperation.
Commissioners emphasized that when underground infrastructure isn’t documented, it can create avoidable issues during roadwork and utility projects — something they hope to minimize moving forward, adding that any issue in a right-of-way would fall on the landowner, not the county.
County officials are instead encouraging anyone installing new tiling, or with previously installed but undocumented tiling, to mark its location and file that information at the Courthouse. Having those records allows county crews and contractors to better plan in an instant around existing systems, reducing the risk of damage.
Landowners also have the option of submitting information through the state’s South Dakota 811 system, which helps identify underground utilities before digging begins.
None of the recommendations are mandatory, but commissioners say taking the extra step now could help prevent bigger issues down the road. More information is available on the county’s website.
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