Property Owner’s are Responsible for the Maintenance of Culverts on their Property

With the recent heavy rain and flooding on Newbury many property owners have asked who is responsible for the maintenance of culverts and drainage areas in their neighborhoods.

The answer is found in state law, RSA 236:13, which states: "the owners of property to which the access is appurtenant shall have continuing responsibility for the adequacy of the access and any grades, culverts or other structures pertaining to such access, wheather or not located within the public right of way."

While the flooding is fresh in everyone's mind, this is a good time to check the culverts on your property. If they are clogged or the water is not flowing freely they should be cleaned out. This is one of the best ways to prevent flood damage on your property and potentially legal liability for damage to neighbors property.