C. Stanley Weaver Canal sign at Weaver canal

That’s A Good Question

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Why doesn’t the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) keep the canal water elevations lower in preparation for the storm season? Seems like a good idea, but the LWDD network of canals does more than provide drainage for flood control. LWDD’s water management system helps to protect regional water supplies for all the residents, businesses and agricultural land within its boundary.

During normal operations, canal water levels are maintained to hold water higher than sea level to prevent saltwater from encroaching and polluting existing freshwater wells for numerous municipal water utilities. Once polluted with saltwater the well can no longer be used for drinking water supplies and alternative sources will be needed.

LWDD’s water managers are continually monitoring weather systems and canal levels to proactively respond to heavy rainfall events. In anticipation of a heavy rainfall event, the LWDD water control structures are opened to maintain appropriate water levels in the system for flood control. However, this operation must consider the potential environmental risks. As control structure gates are opened, water is discharged to the ocean and cannot be recovered for water supply. These freshwater discharges may also adversely impact environmentally sensitive areas such as the Lake Worth Lagoon.

For these reasons, drainage is often referred to as a balancing act between flood control protection and supply needs. LWDD has over 100 years of experience in the operation of stormwater management within our boundary. To learn more about LWDD’s water management function, visit our website at www.lwdd.net.

Older woman looking out the window

Flood Control – Need to Know

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Flood control does not equal flood proof. Heavy rainfall in a short period may result in flooding, even with a well-engineered and maintained system. Residents can prepare for potential flooding by storing items in waterproof containers 6 inches or more from the ground, moving cars from lower to higher ground if flooding is expected and keeping storm drains clear of trash and vegetative debris.

Water leaves your neighborhood through an interconnected 3-tiered system:

  1. Neighborhood excess water drains into community ponds through street and yard drains. Stormwater then flows through underground pipes to the next link in the flood control chain – the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canals.
  2. LWDD canals move excess water to a larger-capacity regional flood control system – the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).
  3. The regional canal system channels excess water to storage areas or coastal discharge points.

When a neighborhood pond discharges water to LWDD, it does so through a discharge control structure. Whether the control structure is in the open or closed position, excess water will continue to drain from the pond until the proper water elevation is achieved.

LWDD is unique in that we are the only drainage district in the area authorized by the SFWMD to permit the emergency opening of discharge control structures by communities. This authorization is given before a weather event to increase capacity in a stormwater pond. Coordinating this operation with the community is an important part of flood control.

LWDD works closely with property managers and community boards to manage potential flooding. However, residents should note that some standing water in roads, sidewalks and yards is normal and required to keep flood water away from homes.

Residents should first report flooding issues to their property manager because the situation may have already been identified and addressed. Additionally, residents can provide storm damage reports and flooding issues online at lwdd.net/storm-response.

map showing location of control structure 9

Capital Improvement Project Update

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Control Structure 9 is located within the C. Stanley Weaver Canal at the Lawrence Road Bridge. This critical flood control structure is undergoing a complete restoration including installation of submersible pumps, new radial gates, and SCADA/telemetry equipment for the automated operation of the structure. When completed in mid-2023, the refurbished structure will provide enhanced flood control for thousands of residents.

map showing location of control structure 9

Woman giving the thumbs up sign

Did You Know?

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It takes about 20 gallons of water to produce a pint of beer.

Average household leaks account for nearly 10,000-gallons of water wasted every year.

75% of the human brain is water and 75% of a living tree is water.

Turning off the water when brushing your teeth can save up to 4-gallons a minute.

You can begin to use water wisely by placing a bucket in the shower to catch the excess water to be used for watering your plants.

Children in the first 6 months of life consume seven times the amount of water per pound as the average American adult.

Watering your plants and lawn in multiple short sessions supplies better absorption and avoids runoff.

A garden hose left unattended can pour out 600 gallons or more in a few hours.

Each day, we lose a little more than a cup of water (237 ml) when we exhale it.

During the growing and production of a tomato, 3 gallons of water are needed.

It takes more than twice the amount of water to produce coffee than tea.

97% of the world’s water is salty, 2% is trapped in ice, leaving only 1% for human consumption.

It takes seven and a half years for the average American home to use the same amount of water that flows over the Niagara Falls in one second (750,000 gallons).

Hand under running water

Water: Use It Wisely

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In Florida, April is historically one of the driest (lowest rainfall) months of the year and typically marks a peak demand in water use which is why April is designated Water Conservation Month. During April, the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) joins with other local governments throughout our region to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and the ways we can reduce our water use all year long.

Conserving water means using our water supply wisely. We can start saving water by making smart choices at home. Implementing simple water conservation tips can help reduce the usage of water significantly. Committing to just a bit of effort can make all the difference. With these ten simple tips, you can do your part to save hundreds of gallons of water:

INDOOR:
• Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they are full.
• Use the shortest clothes washing cycle for lightly soiled loads. Normal and permanent-press wash cycles use more water.
• Thaw food in the refrigerator or microwave, not under running water.
• Scrape do not rinse your dishes before loading them in the dishwasher.
• Install high-efficiency appliances, shower heads, faucets and toilets.

OUTDOOR:
• Check your home’s irrigation system for leaks and make repairs as needed.
• Turn off your automatic irrigation system and only water as needed.
• Do not leave sprinklers or garden hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out six hundred gallons of water in just a few hours.
• Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle when washing the car and wash the car over a pervious area such as the lawn.
• Consider installing a rain barrel with a drip irrigation system for watering your landscaping. Rainwater is free and better for your plants because it does not contain hard minerals.

Our water supply is a finite resource and needs our protection. We can all make changes in our lifestyle to reduce our water usage. The trick is making water conservation a way of life and not just something we think about each April.