The Lake Worth Drainage District’s (LWDD) stormwater management system is made up of the canal channels, rights-of-way on each side of the canals, and controls structures and pumps. Consisting of a network of more than 500 miles of canals, over 1,000 miles of rights-of-way, and 20 major control structures, LWDD provides effective flood control and water supply for residents, businesses, and agriculture within its boundary.
Effective stormwater management is dependent on well-maintained canals and rights-of-way. But what defines ‘well-maintained’? A canal or right-of-way that some property owners may consider an eyesore is often considered well-maintained for flood control operations by water managers.
Some of the necessary components for effective flood control include the free flow of water in the canal channels to divert excess stormwater from properties, and unencumbered canal rights-of-way to provide access for regular maintenance and emergency response. Through the process of aquatic vegetation control, canal bank mowing, and encroachment removal, effective flood control maintenance is achieved.
There are numerous species of aquatic plants found within the LWDD’s canal system. Some aquatic vegetation has the potential to slow the flow of water within the canal channel or control structures. This vegetation growth is controlled with the application of herbicides and/or mechanical removal. Although not esthetically pleasing to some property owners, algae in canals is not a threat to flood control. Because algae are very small plants that break apart easily, they can pass through drainage pipes and control structures. This is good news since the herbicide used to treat algae can be harmful to the water body.
Canal rights-of-way and banks are mowed approximately 3 to 4 times a year. Flat-mowers mow the rights-of-way, and arm-mowers maintain the side slopes of the canals. High grass does not prevent access to canals or threaten flood control operations. It is not uncommon for grasses to grow several inches in height before mowing crews return to an area.
To enhance their property, residents adjacent to a canal sometimes place unauthorized vegetation or structures such as swing-sets, fences, and sheds on LWDD’s right-of-way. Encroachments must be removed because they may fall into the canal during high wind events causing blockages or slowing the progression of drainage. Additionally, encroachments can obscure sightlines for visual inspections, and impede LWDD’s access which is a critical component for public safety.
Flood control and the maintenance it requires comes at a cost. All property owners within LWDD’s boundary, whether adjacent to a canal or miles inland, are assessed at the same tax rate. In 2021 the assessed rate is $49.50 for a parcel equal to or less than an acre in size. By operating its stormwater management system to well-maintained flood control standards, LWDD can achieve its mission of effective flood control at a fair and affordable cost for all its residents.
Resident’s Role In Water Conservation
/in News, Residential, Water ConservationThe Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) encourages water conservation year-round, with an extra emphasis each April for Water Conservation Month. April is historically one of the driest months of the year and typically marks a peak demand in water use.
Conserving water means using our water supply wisely. We can start saving water by making smart choices at home. Using 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 10 simple tips, you can do your part to save hundreds of gallons of water:
INDOOR:
OUTDOOR:
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.
LWDD Operations and Water Conservation
/in Drought, Flood Control, 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 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 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.
Watersheds…Why You Should Care
/in News, Water Conservation & QualityA watershed is an area of land where water flows or “sheds” from the highest point to the lowest point on its way to a lake, canal, another waterbody, and eventually to the ocean. It not only includes water that flows across the land (surface water), but also includes water that flows through the land (groundwater). The size of a watershed can vary. It can be small such as a modest lake or it can encompass thousands of square miles inland.
You may be familiar with our local Lake Worth Lagoon Watershed which extends from the southeastern portion of Lake Okeechobee through Palm Beach County. Within our watershed, thousands of people live, work and play. This is important to note because when a portion of the watershed receives heavy rainfall the stormwater runoff from rooftops, backyards and roadways can travel through storm drains and canals to adjacent waterbodies. Along the way, the runoff may pick-up pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, oil, or trash which can flow directly into the watershed causing poor water quality. Healthy watersheds provide critical services, such as clean drinking water, productive fisheries, and outdoor recreation that supports our economy, environment, and quality of life.
You can help protect the watershed by using landscape fertilizers and pesticides wisely. Apply them only when needed and during non-rainy days to prevent the chemicals from washing down storm drains and making their way into adjacent water bodies. Second, throw waste items in their proper containers like recycling bins or trash cans. Trash can easily make its way into our water bodies and in many instances the materials are not biodegradable. Third, pick-up pet waste and dispose of it properly. Pet waste and the nutrient load it produces is a contributor to local water pollution. Finally, help spread the word and let others know why we should care about the health of our watershed. You can find more information on our local watershed at www.epa.gov/waterdata/hows-my-waterway.
Helping Community Board Members
/in News, ResidentialThe Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) wants to make your job a little easier. Whether you are a newly elected board member or have served on your community’s board for years, it is not possible to know the answer to every question. Still, you must communicate, educate, and protect your residents. To help, LWDD offers many avenues to assist community leaders in meeting this responsibility. Listed below are a few:
LWDD is not just your local Drainage District, we are your partner in providing the information and resources about flood control your residents need.
Required Degree of Canal Maintenance
/in Flood Control, News, O & MThe Lake Worth Drainage District’s (LWDD) stormwater management system is made up of the canal channels, rights-of-way on each side of the canals, and controls structures and pumps. Consisting of a network of more than 500 miles of canals, over 1,000 miles of rights-of-way, and 20 major control structures, LWDD provides effective flood control and water supply for residents, businesses, and agriculture within its boundary.
Effective stormwater management is dependent on well-maintained canals and rights-of-way. But what defines ‘well-maintained’? A canal or right-of-way that some property owners may consider an eyesore is often considered well-maintained for flood control operations by water managers.
Some of the necessary components for effective flood control include the free flow of water in the canal channels to divert excess stormwater from properties, and unencumbered canal rights-of-way to provide access for regular maintenance and emergency response. Through the process of aquatic vegetation control, canal bank mowing, and encroachment removal, effective flood control maintenance is achieved.
There are numerous species of aquatic plants found within the LWDD’s canal system. Some aquatic vegetation has the potential to slow the flow of water within the canal channel or control structures. This vegetation growth is controlled with the application of herbicides and/or mechanical removal. Although not esthetically pleasing to some property owners, algae in canals is not a threat to flood control. Because algae are very small plants that break apart easily, they can pass through drainage pipes and control structures. This is good news since the herbicide used to treat algae can be harmful to the water body.
Canal rights-of-way and banks are mowed approximately 3 to 4 times a year. Flat-mowers mow the rights-of-way, and arm-mowers maintain the side slopes of the canals. High grass does not prevent access to canals or threaten flood control operations. It is not uncommon for grasses to grow several inches in height before mowing crews return to an area.
To enhance their property, residents adjacent to a canal sometimes place unauthorized vegetation or structures such as swing-sets, fences, and sheds on LWDD’s right-of-way. Encroachments must be removed because they may fall into the canal during high wind events causing blockages or slowing the progression of drainage. Additionally, encroachments can obscure sightlines for visual inspections, and impede LWDD’s access which is a critical component for public safety.
Flood control and the maintenance it requires comes at a cost. All property owners within LWDD’s boundary, whether adjacent to a canal or miles inland, are assessed at the same tax rate. In 2021 the assessed rate is $49.50 for a parcel equal to or less than an acre in size. By operating its stormwater management system to well-maintained flood control standards, LWDD can achieve its mission of effective flood control at a fair and affordable cost for all its residents.