Roadside ditches drain stormwater from roads, fields, parking lots, and buildings. Ditches are designed and managed to prevent flooding of these structures by providing rapid flow of runoff water. However, impacts on quantity and quality of water in streams and lakes typically is not considered when ditches are designed, built, and maintained.

Very few studies have investigated the contribution of roadside ditches to downstream waters. Students investigations can focus on questions such as these:

• Where does the water go? When stormwater flows through ditches, does it empty into streams?

• How are ditches currently managed, and how could they be managed to minimize harm to streams and lakes?

• How do the quantity and quality of water flowing through ditches compare with the water in streams?

• What are the impacts of ditches on stream habitat and hydrology?

Getting Started (Curriculum resources for teachers)