Florida is fortunate to receive over 50 inches of rainfall a year on average. Most of that amount is concentrated during the six-month rainy season (May through October). While some of the runoff from these rains is discharged to the ocean to avoid flooding, a significant amount soaks into the ground and recharges the freshwater aquifers that supply our drinking water wellfields, lakes and wetlands.
For large populations of people to live safely in south Florida, a massive regional water management system is required to balance the water supply needs of urban areas and water uses of agriculture against the requirement to maintain flood protection. If we did not provide adequate drainage to the region, human health and safety would be jeopardized and extensive property damage could occur. Similarly, if regional groundwater levels were not properly maintained, wellfields would be unable to deliver water to our homes and businesses, or worse yet, the underground inland migration of salt water from the ocean could permanently contaminate the drinking water supply rendering it unsafe for potable uses.
Water conservation efforts by the LWDD help mitigate some of the water supply issues our region experiences. The large network of LWDD canals plays a critical role in conservation by maintaining groundwater levels which in turn supports the water levels in lakes, ponds and wetlands across the region. During dry periods, groundwater levels tend to slowly fall in response to low rain and high evaporation. When this occurs, water managers in the region look to large regional storage areas like the Water Conservation Areas in the Everglades or to Lake Okeechobee as a source of supplemental water. Water from these sources is released into the canal network to raise the level of water in the canals. This water in turn seeps through the sandy soils to recharge the groundwater and returns the water table to its normal elevation thus helping to protect drinking water supplies.
The LWDD’s efforts, to manage drainage canals at appropriate elevations to balance water supply needs and avoid ocean discharges when possible, plays a key role in comprehensive water conservation for South Florida.
Managing Vegetation Growth In Canals
/in Hurricanes, O & MWith more than 500 miles of canals under its jurisdiction, the Lake Worth Drainage District is continually conducting maintenance operations of its waterways. Effective flood control is dependent on well-maintained canals. Personnel are in the field daily to ensure the system is operating efficiently and the water is free flowing.
Licensed applicator
One of these maintenance activities is the control of aquatic vegetative growth in the channel. To accomplish this task, LWDD utilizes two methods, herbicide application and mechanical. Given the proliferation of aquatic vegetation in South Florida’s tropical climate, it is necessary to use herbicide treatment to control growth. When applying herbicides, LWDD strictly adheres to the rules and regulations established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Staff members applying chemical treatments are trained and certified annually on the proper application and handling of all herbicides used.
Mechanical removal includes the use of containment booms which are floating ribbon-
Grapple tuck used for removal
Aerial view of containment booms
like structures that span the canal and extend approximately one foot both above and below the water’s surface. As water flows through a canal or winds blows across the water’s surface, floating debris will move through the canal network. The booms serve as a physical barrier, collecting the debris while allowing water to continue to flow unimpeded. District crews can then remove the captured debris mechanically with the use of a grapple truck. The use of these booms also reduces the use of herbicides by facilitating a more centralized and controlled location for application rather than treating entire reaches of canals.
Got Maps?
/in Current Projects, NewsGIS data and various maps are available to the public on our online GIS Mapping Portal located on the top menu bar under the tab Resources. On the portal you will find maps and information on LWDD’s boundaries, canals, water control structures, permits and maintenance activities. If you cannot find what you are looking for, contact us at 561-498-5363 or email info@lwdd.net.
Understanding The Reasons For Canal Rehabilitation
/in News, O & MCanal rehabilitation projects often involve the use of heavy equipment thus creating a dusty and noisy environment. Lasting from a few days to several months, projects that take place adjacent to homes may cause concerns and anxiety for residents. Understanding the purpose of canal rehabilitation and what to expect can help address these issues. Watch our video to learn more.
LWDD’s Role In Water Conservation
/in News, Water ConservationFlorida is fortunate to receive over 50 inches of rainfall a year on average. Most of that amount is concentrated during the six-month rainy season (May through October). While some of the runoff from these rains is discharged to the ocean to avoid flooding, a significant amount soaks into the ground and recharges the freshwater aquifers that supply our drinking water wellfields, lakes and wetlands.
For large populations of people to live safely in south Florida, a massive regional water management system is required to balance the water supply needs of urban areas and water uses of agriculture against the requirement to maintain flood protection. If we did not provide adequate drainage to the region, human health and safety would be jeopardized and extensive property damage could occur. Similarly, if regional groundwater levels were not properly maintained, wellfields would be unable to deliver water to our homes and businesses, or worse yet, the underground inland migration of salt water from the ocean could permanently contaminate the drinking water supply rendering it unsafe for potable uses.
Water conservation efforts by the LWDD help mitigate some of the water supply issues our region experiences. The large network of LWDD canals plays a critical role in conservation by maintaining groundwater levels which in turn supports the water levels in lakes, ponds and wetlands across the region. During dry periods, groundwater levels tend to slowly fall in response to low rain and high evaporation. When this occurs, water managers in the region look to large regional storage areas like the Water Conservation Areas in the Everglades or to Lake Okeechobee as a source of supplemental water. Water from these sources is released into the canal network to raise the level of water in the canals. This water in turn seeps through the sandy soils to recharge the groundwater and returns the water table to its normal elevation thus helping to protect drinking water supplies.
The LWDD’s efforts, to manage drainage canals at appropriate elevations to balance water supply needs and avoid ocean discharges when possible, plays a key role in comprehensive water conservation for South Florida.
LWDD’s Employee Of The Year
/in NewsEmployee awarded for excellence
Vickie Demerski has been chosen by her peers as the Employee of the Year for 2017. Ms. Demerski has been with the District for 30 years and currently holds the position of Executive Assistant in the Field Operations Department.
During normal District operations, Ms. Demerski tracks maintenance requests and complaints from the public. She documents each call and transmits the information to the appropriate staff for investigation. Upon completion, she closes the service request and documents the outcome, ensuring that the public’s concerns are addressed. Ms. Demerski often deals with anxious or disgruntled callers, but treats all callers with respect, patience and a little bit of humor. Many residents have expressed how friendly and helpful she is, even if they did not get the answer they were hoping for.
Ms. Demerski also plays an important role in emergency response. During major storm events, she takes calls from the public notifying the District of potential flood hazards. If needed, she willingly works after business hours answering calls and providing critical information to field crews.
Ms. Demerski possesses an extensive knowledge of the District’s canal system and demonstrates a willingness to help her co-workers whenever needed. Her excellent interaction with residents assists not only staff members in the Field Operations Department but other departments such as Public Outreach and Right-of-Way Compliance.