LWDD Closely Monitoring September Rainfall;  Canal System Operating Normally

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DELRAY BEACH, FL (Sept. 18, 2026) – The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) is monitoring water levels in its southeastern Palm Beach County service area following significant rainfall and forecasts of more to come.

At this time, all 500 miles of LWDD canals and water control structures are operating as designed to move water as quickly and safely as possible. LWDD canal levels are all well within normal ranges.

The agency utilizes an automated water control system, with staff monitoring fluctuating rain and water levels.

While the LWDD system is operating normally, residents and businesses across the county are experiencing rising water levels in lakes, ponds and swales. When these areas reach capacity, water will flood streets, which become additional storage areas for the excess rainfall. Neighborhood drainage systems are designed this way to help prevent water from entering homes.

Street flooding is already occurring in several localities throughout the county, especially low-lying areas and older neighborhoods. Water will drain gradually on its own, however, the duration of flooding will depend on future rainfall.

Based on a small number of reports to the LWDD and field staff surveying different communities, blocked neighborhood drains and drainage infrastructure are exacerbating the situation. Communities are responsible for inspecting, repairing and ensuring their private, internal drainage systems are clear of debris and functioning properly.

This critical work helps ensure communities can drain to the LWDD system. LWDD field staff have responded to affected communities to speak to residents about what they can do to help ensure flood control.

Key Information for Residents:

  • Community flood control structures operate via gravity and are always “open,” even if you can’t see water moving.
  • Clear debris from storm drains around your home when it’s safe.
  • Contact your HOA, municipality or whomever manages your internal drainage systems to report any blocked drains. LWDD does not clear private drains.
  • Ensure your community has an Authorized Flood Control Contact on file at the LWDD so the agency can provide important information when necessary. This should be the person or persons authorized to manage your community’s drainage system. This can be done online: www.lwdd.net/authorization-contacts.
  • Email or call the LWDD Emergency Operations Center if you see any issues with LWDD canals or structures: eoc@lwdd.net or (561) 498-5363. Emails and calls are immediately transmitted to staff and will be returned as soon as reasonably possible.

For communities that have Emergency Operable Structures, no authorization has been given at this time to open any structures. These structures are only operated in extremely rare and severe circumstances surrounding a major storm, in accordance with state water quality laws.

Emergency Operable Structures were not designed to provide relief during a storm event, and unauthorized opening can cause significant flooding and water quality violations.

Before a storm predicted to have significant impacts to our area, LWDD will email the Authorized Flood Control Contact provided to the agency by each community with any necessary instructions on Emergency Operable Structures. At the same time, communities are responsible for requesting authorization to operate their structures by providing detailed information on the condition of their system, and their water levels, including how high water has risen above their state-permitted drainage elevation.

Please remember to avoid driving on a flooded road. Also, LWDD is not an emergency response organization. For any life safety issues, please call 911.