Recent hot and rainy Summer weather conditions have set the stage for algal blooms in our rivers, lakes, ponds, and canals. Like many people across the State, residents of the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) may have concerns or confusion about these blooms. To help answer some frequently asked questions, we are providing the following information about algae.
Algae are simple organisms that grow through photosynthesis, a process by which sunlight is used to metabolize nutrients. Algae are a basic component of the food chain and are commonly found in marine, estuarine, freshwater lakes, canal systems, stormwater ponds and even swimming pools. Algae appear as green, red, or yellowish-brown particles that float on the water surface.
Although algae are a normal component of an aquatic ecosystem, nutrient-rich waters warmed by the sun provide a favorable medium for the overgrowth. This overgrowth is called an ‘algal bloom’. For algal blooms to occur two things must be present: high concentration of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and adequate sunlight. We cannot control sunlight, but we can limit our nutrient impact to surrounding waterbodies with proper maintenance of septic tank systems and limited use of fertilizers on landscapes and lawns. Currently approved herbicide or chemical treatments for the removal of algae uses a heavy metal compound that may adversely impact the waterbody. However, scientists are studying new treatments for the control of algae and safer alternatives may become available in the future.
While visually unappealing, most algae is not harmful to human health and provides a food source for aquatic life. However, some types, like “Blue-green” algae, which is a cyanobacteria, secrete toxins that may be harmful. The algae toxins can be inhaled by people living around the waterbody. It will aggravate respiratory illnesses like asthma. Symptoms of exposure to toxic algae include difficulty breathing, wheezing, skin rashes, headaches, and possible tingling in the fingers and toes. If water containing toxic algae is consumed potential liver damage may occur. It is important to keep humans and pets away from waterbodies that have toxic algal blooms and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.
Since most types of algae found within LWDD’s canals are non-toxic and do not impact flood control operations, LWDD does not regularly treat the canal system for algal blooms. Most algae growth in our canals is harmless and will dissipate on its own or will be flushed out of the canal system after a heavy rainfall.
Important phone numbers and links:
To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 1-800-636-0511.
How Flood Control Works
/in News, ResidentialMan-made stormwater ponds are attractive enhancements to many residential communities and businesses within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD). More importantly, these waterbodies serve an important public safety purpose as they are part of the overall flood control system.
When it rains, stormwater flows into the retention pond and, if needed for flood control, out through the pond’s discharge control structure into the LWDD canal. Most of the time this drainage occurs unnoticed by the average individual. However, during a severe storm, flooding in streets, sidewalks, and driveways may occur. This temporary flooding may cause concern, but it is important to note these low-lying areas are designed as secondary detention areas to protect buildings and homes from flooding.
Within LWDD’s boundary, flood control is a shared responsibility and achieved through an interconnected, 3-tiered drainage system governed by 3 unique groups of people. Through communication and coordination, these 3 groups can provide effective flood control. The groups are identified as:
Water managers in charge of primary and secondary systems are continually monitoring the weather and canal levels to proactively respond to changes in canal elevations. In anticipation of a heavy rainfall event, water managers will make operational adjustments to maintain appropriate water elevations for flood control. Additionally, throughout the year routine canal maintenance is conducted to provide unobstructed flow in the canal channel and access along the canal rights-of-way. The inspection of control structures, pumps and other infrastructure is also conducted, and repairs or replacements are made.
Property owners and residential associations have a similar role regarding their neighborhood drainage system. They must maintain their drainage infrastructure to ensure that inlets, storm drains, pipes, and emergency discharge control structures are free of potential blockages and working as designed, thus maintaining the flow of stormwater away from their property. An annual inspection of the drainage infrastructure should be made, and repairs should be completed before the onset of storm season.
LWDD works closely with property managers and community boards to manage potential flooding. Residents should first report flooding issues to their property manager because the situation may have already been identified and addressed. Residents can find more flood control information online at lwdd.net/storm-response.
Pollution Has A Cost
/in News, O & M, ResidentialKeeping Our Canal System Clean
Discarding of vegetative debris or other trash in the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canals or along the rights-of-way is illegal. Under the “Florida Litter Law” Florida Statute 403.413, dumping materials on public or private property is punishable by fine and potential jail time. Within LWDD’s service area, illegally dumped items are largely non-hazardous solid wastes that are inconvenient or costly to dispose of properly. Typical litter items include household trash, furniture, appliances, tires and vegetative debris from lawn maintenance and tree trimming. Offenders most often include residents and construction and landscape contractors.
Some of the negative effects of illegal dumping can impact public safety, the surrounding environment, and the local economy. For example, using a drainage canal as a dump site can reduce the flood control capacity of the canal and threaten the safety of residents. Additionally, trash dumped on the canal right-of-way can impede access needed for regular maintenance or emergency response during severe weather. While landfills are designed to prevent waste from leaching into the ground or adjacent waterbody, this is not true for illegal dumping which may adversely impact the surrounding area. Finally, dumping is an eyesore and governments must redirect resources to clean-up materials and provide pollution mediation.
If you witness an illegal dumping incident in progress, call your local law enforcement agency or 911. Catching dumpers in the act is the best way for police to apprehend offenders and deter future violations. Never confront someone who is dumping. Instead, try to get the vehicle license number and description of the vehicle used to commit the crime. Most importantly, share this information with your neighbors and encourage them to always dispose of yard waste and trash properly. For more information on the proper disposal of trash visit Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County.
Twitter Accounts to Follow This Hurricane Season
/in Hurricanes, NewsPalm Beach County Emergency Management @PBCDEM
Palm Beach County School District @PBCSD
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office @PBCountySheriff
Palm Beach County @PBCGOV
South Florida Water Management District @SFWMD
Gov. Ron DeSantis @GovRonDesantis
Florida Division of Emergency Management @FLSERT
Florida Department of Transportation @FL511_State
FEMA @FEMA and @FEMARegion4
National preparedness information @Readygov
National Weather Service Miami @NWSMiami
National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham @WX4KEG
National Hurricane Center, Atlantic @NHC_Atlantic
National Hurricane Center @NWSNHC
National Hurricane Center Storm Surge @NHC-Surge
Ref.: Hurricane Season: Ditch Friends’ Facebook Posts And Rely On Official Sources During Storm, Kimberly Miller, The Palm Beach Post, June 29, 2021
Do I Need Flood Insurance?
/in News, ResidentialMany residents within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) boundary frequently ask if they should purchase flood insurance even though they are not located in a high-risk zone. In response LWDD points out that the probability of your home or business flooding is a possibility anywhere in South Florida. Our region’s low and flat topography, coupled with its significant rainfall makes flood insurance an important consideration for property owners.
You may not realize it, but everyone is in a flood zone. You do not need to live near a waterbody to be at risk. The truth is that you can reside miles away from a pond or canal and still be at risk of flooding. Nearly 25 percent of flood insurance claims come from moderate to low risk zones. That is because it does not take a major body of water, or a major storm to cause a flood. Many things, such as new development, construction, lack of maintenance or a slow-moving rainstorm, may produce flooding. Just a few inches of water in a building can cost thousands of dollars in damage to walls, floors, furniture, carpets, and appliances.
It is important to note that flood damage is usually not covered by most homeowner or rental insurance policies. Flood insurance is available regardless of your flood zone. The cost of a policy depends on your location. For all but a small percentage of very high-risk properties, flood insurance is surprisingly affordable when compared to the cost of repairs. The consideration of purchasing flood insurance is a personal decision and should not be taken lightly. Consider your family or business’s tolerance for risk. Determine what you could afford to repair or replace at your own cost, and if a flood insurance policy is a wise investment for you.
To find out more about flood insurance for your property and its contents, contact your insurance agent. Additional information and insurance agency listings are available at the following links:
https://www.flseagrant.org/NFIP
https://www.ready.gov/floods
https://www.floodsmart.gov
Algal Blooms In Our Waterbodies
/in News, Water Conservation & QualityRecent hot and rainy Summer weather conditions have set the stage for algal blooms in our rivers, lakes, ponds, and canals. Like many people across the State, residents of the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) may have concerns or confusion about these blooms. To help answer some frequently asked questions, we are providing the following information about algae.
Algae are simple organisms that grow through photosynthesis, a process by which sunlight is used to metabolize nutrients. Algae are a basic component of the food chain and are commonly found in marine, estuarine, freshwater lakes, canal systems, stormwater ponds and even swimming pools. Algae appear as green, red, or yellowish-brown particles that float on the water surface.
Although algae are a normal component of an aquatic ecosystem, nutrient-rich waters warmed by the sun provide a favorable medium for the overgrowth. This overgrowth is called an ‘algal bloom’. For algal blooms to occur two things must be present: high concentration of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and adequate sunlight. We cannot control sunlight, but we can limit our nutrient impact to surrounding waterbodies with proper maintenance of septic tank systems and limited use of fertilizers on landscapes and lawns. Currently approved herbicide or chemical treatments for the removal of algae uses a heavy metal compound that may adversely impact the waterbody. However, scientists are studying new treatments for the control of algae and safer alternatives may become available in the future.
While visually unappealing, most algae is not harmful to human health and provides a food source for aquatic life. However, some types, like “Blue-green” algae, which is a cyanobacteria, secrete toxins that may be harmful. The algae toxins can be inhaled by people living around the waterbody. It will aggravate respiratory illnesses like asthma. Symptoms of exposure to toxic algae include difficulty breathing, wheezing, skin rashes, headaches, and possible tingling in the fingers and toes. If water containing toxic algae is consumed potential liver damage may occur. It is important to keep humans and pets away from waterbodies that have toxic algal blooms and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.
Since most types of algae found within LWDD’s canals are non-toxic and do not impact flood control operations, LWDD does not regularly treat the canal system for algal blooms. Most algae growth in our canals is harmless and will dissipate on its own or will be flushed out of the canal system after a heavy rainfall.
Important phone numbers and links:
To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 1-800-636-0511.