LWDD Helps Save Water

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LWDD Helps Save Water

Florida benefits from an average annual rainfall exceeding fifty inches, with most of this precipitation occurring during the six-month rainy season spanning from May to mid-October. While some of the runoff generated from these rains is directed towards the ocean to prevent flooding, a considerable volume permeates the ground, replenishing the freshwater aquifers that serve as a source for our drinking water, lakes, and wetlands.

An extensive regional water management system is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of large populations in South Florida. This system must effectively balance the water supply demands of urban areas and agricultural activities while simultaneously fulfilling the obligations of flood protection.

Groundwater levels tend to decline gradually during drought due to reduced rainfall and elevated evaporation rates. In such instances, regional water managers seek additional water sources, such as the Water Conservation Areas in the Everglades or Lake Okeechobee. Water from these vital reserves is introduced into the canal network to elevate water levels. This process fosters water infiltration through sandy soils, facilitating groundwater recharge and restoring the groundwater table to its standard elevation, safeguarding drinking water supplies.

Inadequate drainage could compromise public health and safety and lead to flooding and significant property damage. Conversely, improper maintenance of regional groundwater levels could impede the functionality of wellfields, preventing them from supplying water to residential and commercial entities. In severe scenarios, the inland migration of saltwater from the ocean could irreversibly contaminate the drinking water supply, rendering it unsafe for consumption.

The Lake Worth Drainage District’s (LWDD) water conservation initiatives play an integral role in addressing the water supply challenges our region faces. The extensive network of LWDD canals is pivotal in regulating groundwater levels and supporting the hydrological levels of lakes, ponds, and wetlands throughout the area.

The LWDD’s commitment to managing drainage canals at optimal elevations, reconciling water supply requirements, and minimizing ocean discharges whenever feasible is essential to a comprehensive approach to water conservation in South Florida.

The Season for Saving Water

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The Season for Saving Water

During the holidays, water plays a role in everything from food preparation to the cleanup process. With all the cooking, cleaning, travel, and festive preparations, water usage can skyrocket. Here’s how to incorporate water conservation into your holidays while still enjoying the spirit of the season:

  • Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of running hot water over them.
  • Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or pan filled with water instead of under running water. This water can then be reused to water houseplants. A running faucet can use up to 4 gallons per minute.
  • When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water and fill the rinsing sink one-third to one-half full. Avoid letting the water run continuously in the rinsing sink.
  • If you have a dishwasher, use it instead of hand washing. Dishwashers typically use less water than hand washing, especially if you’re using older plumbing fixtures.
  • Select the proper size pans for cooking. Large pans require more cooking water than may be necessary.
  • Scrape food scraps into the garbage can or a composting bin, rather than rinsing them into the sink’s garbage disposal. A garbage disposal uses up to 4.5 gallons of water per minute.
  • Run your dishwasher only when you have a full load. Dishwashers use between 7 and 12 gallons per load.
  • If you’re hosting your family or staying with relatives during the holidays, encourage everyone to take shorter showers. If you have kids, consider filling up a bath rather than running the water for individual showers, as it can save water in the long run.
  • Traveling often means extra laundry, from clothes to towels and linens. Be sure to run full loads in the washing machine and set the water level to match the size of the load. Opt for cold water washes when possible, to save on both water and energy.
  • Choose an artificial Christmas tree since they do not require water. They are not a fire hazard and preserve our tree canopies.

Don’t let the busy holiday season keep you from practicing good water conservation habits. Water conservation doesn’t have to take a backseat to the festivities. By implementing simple changes, such as optimizing your cooking, using water-efficient devices, and adjusting your holiday routines, you can enjoy a more sustainable and mindful season. This holiday, let’s give the gift of conservation, helping ensure that water remains a resource we can continue to enjoy for generations to come.

 

Hurricane Milton Operations Summary

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Soil Saturation and Drainage

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Many factors must be considered by water managers at Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) when managing a rain event. One factor is the varying water content in the soil which can have a significant impact on the drainage rate and flood control operations.

When dry soil is crushed in the hand, you can see how it is composed of many particles of different sizes. Most of these particles originate from the degradation of rocks; they are called mineral particles. Some originate from residues of plants or animals; these are called organic particles. The soil particles seem to touch each other, but a much closer look will show there are spaces in between the particles. These spaces are called pores. When the soil is “dry” the pores are mainly filled with air. After irrigation or rainfall, the pores are mainly filled with water.

When it rains, water is applied to the land, and it begins to seep into the soil. This process is called infiltration. The infiltration rate of soil is the velocity at which water on the surface can seep into it. The rate of infiltration is affected by the texture of the soil. For example, the infiltration of water into sandy soil is faster than into clay soil because the texture of clay is much denser than that of sandy soil. The infiltration rate of soil also depends on the existing soil moisture content. The water infiltrates faster when the soil is dry, rather than when it is wet. You can see this when it has been raining for an extended period. Puddling or pooling of water will occur.

If all soil pores are filled with water, the soil is said to be saturated and there is little to no air left between the soil particles. It is easy to determine if the soil is saturated. If a handful of saturated soil is squeezed, some muddy water will run between your fingers. The period of saturation of the topsoil usually does not last long. After the rain has stopped, part of the water present in the larger pores at the top will move downward. This process is called drainage or percolation. In coarse, textured sandy soils, drainage is completed within a period of a few hours. In fine-textured clay soils, drainage may take 2-3 days.

The type of soil and degree of saturation is a consideration when managing water. The flood control function is a balancing act. Water managers must provide adequate drainage for flood control while holding back water for

future supply needs. The LWDD has over 100 years of experience in managing flood control in southeastern Palm Beach County. For more information on water management visit our website at www.lwdd.net.