Outside HVAC unit raised above ground

Flood Protection Tips for Associations

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The increased severity of tropical storm events and shifting rainfall patterns pose many challenges. Whenever the volume of water on land overcomes the capacity of natural and built drainage systems to carry it away, flooding can result. But steps can be taken to mitigate some of the damage caused by flooding.

The following is not an all-inclusive list but a kick start for your community to begin planning and budgeting for future mitigation projects.

  • Drainage Systems – Aging and overloaded stormwater systems can be updated to allow water to be moved, stored, and drained more efficiently.
  • Gutters – Removing leaves and other debris from clogged gutters and downspouts can prevent water from pooling around a building’s foundation. Be sure to locate the down spout in the proper direction. A down spout should never directly discharge into a canal or other water body but instead be directed to grassed or rocked areas that will allow the stormwater to slowly seep into the ground.
  • Building Exteriors – A form of “dry flood-proofing,” the application of painted coatings and sealants that you apply to your foundation, walls, windows and doorways will help prevent flood water from leaking into your structure through cracks or penetrations where utilities may come through.
  • Re-grading Property– Adjusting the slope (grade) around a building’s foundation can help stormwater flow more easily away from the building and toward drainage systems like street drains or swale areas. Re-grading may be especially effective for older communities where the grade may have settled over time or been modified by landscaping.
  • Raising Building Systems – HVAC systems and electric panels raised or relocated to above flood levels can prevent future damage to expensive systems.
  • Permeable Pavement – Permeable pavement is a type of paving material that is highly pervious and allows rainwater to pass through it, which reduces runoff. By reducing runoff, permeable pavement manages stormwater and decreases flood risk.
  • Rain Gardens -This type of green infrastructure is designed and built to mitigate stormwater flooding. A rain garden is a garden in a depressed area of a landscape that is designed to temporarily hold and soak in rainwater while providing a pleasing look to the landscape.

The Lake Worth Drainage District is committed to assisting communities within our boundary to be more informed and more resilient to potential flooding. Please visit our website for more information at www.lwdd.net.

old photo from 1919 of dredge and car driving by

That’s A Good Question

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  1. Where can I find information about LWDD’s early beginnings?
  2. In 2015, the LWDD celebrated its 100th anniversary with the creation of the Centennial Video Series. The series consists of 10 short videos (about 5 minutes) each covering a decade of LWDD history. You can watch the series on our website at https://www.lwdd.net/resources/videos-publications. Enjoy!
Alligator

Frisky Alligators

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The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canals and rights-of-way are abundant with wildlife even in urbanized areas. Residents may encounter various species living in and around the canal system. Most of the animals are harmless. Some can become a nuisance to residents like Muscovy ducks, raccoons and iguanas. However, some animals are dangerous and even life-threatening like alligators and some types of snakes.

The Alligator is particularly dangerous during May and June when courtship begins and continues with females laying an average of 32 to 46 eggs in late June or early July. An estimated 1.3 million alligators inhabit all 67 counties in Florida and can be found anywhere there is standing water. While alligators and people usually coexist peacefully, there have been recorded attacks and occasional fatalities. The key to staying safe is being alert to the possibility of an alligator’s presence.

Be cautious and assume that drainage canals and ponds are home to alligators. Do not swim or wade in areas where alligators are likely to inhabit, especially at dusk or night when they naturally feed. It is important to keep children away from the water’s edge and do not allow family pets to swim or explore waters if you are unsure about the wildlife inhabiting the waterbody. Feeding alligators in Florida is illegal. When people feed alligators, they lose their natural fear of people and associate humans with food.

Alligators are an important part of Florida’s ecosystem, but should always be regarded with caution. Aggressive alligators can be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program at https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/snap/.

Flooded kitchen

Your Flood Probability

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Within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) boundary, some homes and businesses are constructed in areas known as the 1 in 100-year flood plain but have experienced multiple floods in the same year. The assumption that if their area has experienced a 1 in 100-year flood, then for the next 99 years they do not have to worry about flooding is not correct. While it is unlikely that two large storms will happen in close succession, history has demonstrated that it is possible.

Confused by the term 1 in 100-year flood, people begin to wonder what their flood risk really is. The definition of a 1 in 100-year flood is a flood that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. Understanding your flood risk can be a complex process, but the hydrologists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are striving to communicate risk more effectively, in part by transitioning away from the term 1 in 100-year flood and instead referencing multiple year flooding probabilities. For example, the flooding risk of a home in the 1 in 100-year floodplain can be more easily understood as a home with a 26% chance it will flood over the course of a 30-year mortgage. Providing a clearer understanding of the probability of flood risk allows for better protection of people and buildings.

The USGS has published a flyer discussing in detail the probability of flood risk. You can download a copy at https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/106/pdf/100-year-flood-handout-042610.pdf

Hurricane Season sign

Hurricane Season Is Here

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Florida’s hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends November 30. Based on historical weather records dating back to the 1950s, a typical season will average 12 tropical storms with sustained winds of at least 39 miles per hour, of which six may turn into hurricanes with winds of 74 miles per hour or more. In addition to high winds, hurricanes and tropical storms can bring torrential rainfall and localized flooding.

Localized flooding from these types of severe weather events can be exacerbated because of improperly maintained drainage systems. Residential communities and businesses can help mitigate the impacts from severe storms. One of the most important steps is the regular inspection and maintenance of drainage infrastructure. Drainage infrastructure can include inlets, discharge control structures, connecting pipes and ponds. Proper maintenance of these facilities will ensure unobstructed flow of stormwater and fully operational equipment.

Additionally, residential communities and businesses with operable discharge control structures can request authorization from the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) to open these structures prior to the storm. Lowering pond levels prior to the rain event provides additional storage in ponds for excess stormwater. The LWDD recommends establishing a Drainage Committee whose role is to provide for the maintenance and operation of the community or business’s drainage system. Drainage Committees may consist of board members, residents and/or property managers. All members of the Drainage Committee should register with the LWDD on its website at www.lwdd.net/storm-response. This registration process ensures the LWDD knows who to contact and where to send important weather alerts and instructions.

During the storm, LWDD personnel will monitor canal elevations and make operational adjustments to major flood control structures as needed. Depending on the volume and duration of rainfall, expect streets, sidewalks, driveways and lawns to flood. These areas are designed to function as secondary detention areas and help to keep water away from homes and businesses. This flooding is temporary and will begin to recede after an event has passed. However, always follow emergency management instructions if told to evacuate.

It may be tempting to explore outside, for your safety and to keep roadways clear for emergency response vehicles, stay indoors until told otherwise by authorities. Do not try to walk in flooded areas. Flood water may be unsanitary and there may be downed power lines or other hazards that are not visible. Do not try to drive through flooded areas. Vehicles can become unstable and float in just inches of water. Additionally, canal banks may fail, and roadways may be impacted by sinkholes. The location of roads and sidewalks may not be discernible from canals due to the sheeting effect of flood water and life-threatening accidents can occur.

No system, no matter how well designed, is 100% flood proof but collaborating with communities, businesses and other water management agencies, LWDD can help keep you and your property safe from potential flooding.