The East Taieri Drainage Scheme is split into two areas by the Silver Stream, which flows south-west across the Taieri Plain. Drains on the northern side of the Silver Stream generally flow toward what is called the Upper Ponding area.

Drains on the southern side of the Silver Stream flow toward the Lower Ponding area. When the flow of the Taieri River is low, these drains flow out to the river by gravity. Gravity gates close and pump stations are used when flows in the Taieri River are high.