Existing Illinois drainage laws applicable to highway and agricultural activities were compiled and analyzed. This paper indicates the major substantive areas of the subject matter dealt with in the Illinois law, and which are likely to be found in the law of other states, and describes the framework used for organizing and carrying on this study of related laws. Laws relating to drainage are derived from two sources' common law and statutory law. Common law differs from state to state. Illinois as adopted the civil law rule so this report has followed this rule in outlining the rights and duties of the various parties. Analysis is made of the civil law rule, the common enemy rule and the reasonable use rule relating to types of drainage water movement, natural flow of surface water, acceleration, diversion, ponded areas, obstruction, overflow, and easements and licenses.

Illinois cooperative highway research program series, no. 4. University of Illinois bulletin, v. 60, no. 46. "A report of an investigation conducted by the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Illinois, in cooperation with the State of Illinois Division of Highways and the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads." Includes bibliography.