The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) is a single purpose drainage district and does not provide mosquito control services. However, homeowners can take proactive steps to prevent their backyards from becoming breeding grounds. Remember two key actions: drain and cover.
Drain:
– Remove water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where rainwater has collected.
– Discard unused items such as old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots, pans, broken appliances, and other debris that can hold water.
– Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls once or twice a week.
– Cover boats and vehicles with tarps that do not accumulate water.
– Maintain swimming pools in good condition and properly chlorinate them. Empty plastic pools when not in use.
– Clear vegetation or debris from drainage ditches to ensure water can flow freely.
Cover:
– Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.
– Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing following the manufacturer’s instructions.
– Install screens on doors and windows, as well as repair any tears or holes in existing screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
– Use mosquito netting to cover infants younger than 2 months old.
These actions can significantly reduce mosquito breeding opportunities and help protect against mosquito-borne illnesses. Residents can report mosquito activity and other helpful information at Palm Beach County Mosquito Control website https://discover.pbcgov.org/erm/pages/mosquito-control.aspx.
How To Take Back Your Yard
/in News, ResidentialThe Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) is a single purpose drainage district and does not provide mosquito control services. However, homeowners can take proactive steps to prevent their backyards from becoming breeding grounds. Remember two key actions: drain and cover.
Drain:
– Remove water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where rainwater has collected.
– Discard unused items such as old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots, pans, broken appliances, and other debris that can hold water.
– Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls once or twice a week.
– Cover boats and vehicles with tarps that do not accumulate water.
– Maintain swimming pools in good condition and properly chlorinate them. Empty plastic pools when not in use.
– Clear vegetation or debris from drainage ditches to ensure water can flow freely.
Cover:
– Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.
– Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing following the manufacturer’s instructions.
– Install screens on doors and windows, as well as repair any tears or holes in existing screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
– Use mosquito netting to cover infants younger than 2 months old.
These actions can significantly reduce mosquito breeding opportunities and help protect against mosquito-borne illnesses. Residents can report mosquito activity and other helpful information at Palm Beach County Mosquito Control website https://discover.pbcgov.org/erm/pages/mosquito-control.aspx.
How do residential associations share responsibility in flood control?
/in Flood Control, News, ResidentialSince the early-1970’s, development standards for drainage systems have been regulated through design and permitting to ensure flood protection. Residential associations are designed to retain water in swales and onsite detention ponds. Flood control is achieved through an interconnected, three-tiered drainage system. The residential association drainage systems, or tertiary systems, are operated by residential associations. Secondary flood control canals are operated by the Lake Worth Drainage District, and primary flood control is provided by the South Florida Water Management District. Average rainfall will flow into onsite stormwater retention ponds or lakes through swales and drains. During heavy rain events, systems are designed to protect house floor pads. Temporary flooding of streets and parking lots is expected. Click here for more details on the three-tiered system.
Your Question Answered
/in News, ResidentialI am unable to attend the LWDD Board meetings. How can I get a copy of the meeting materials and minutes?
A copy of the Board of Supervisors meeting agendas, minutes and presentation materials are available on the District’s website at https://lwddnet.wpengine.com/board-of-supervisors/meeting-agendas-minutes. For older minutes, please contact the District at info@lwdd.net.
My Pond Needs Water
/in Flood Control, News, ResidentialStormwater ponds can enhance the community’s aesthetic appeal. However, residents within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) boundary may be surprised to discover that the body of water often referred to as the community lake is, in fact, a stormwater management pond.
These ponds are engineered structures designed to collect surface water runoff, such as rainfall. They temporarily store water and release it at a controlled rate until reaching the intended water level within the pond.
During periods of low precipitation, it is normal for ponds to experience lower water levels, potentially revealing sandy banks and limiting their use for lawn irrigation. Since rainfall primarily replenishes these ponds, and LWDD canal water cannot be used to replenish them, these conditions will persist until additional rainfall occurs.
Visit our website for more information on community drainage at www.lwdd.net.
Planting In the Wrong Place
/in News, ResidentialPlanting In the Wrong Place
Living in South Florida offers the distinct advantage of enjoying favorable weather year-round. Embraced by this subtropical paradise, residents often invest considerable effort in enhancing the outdoor aesthetics of their homes. While these endeavors can be enjoyable and rewarding, they also come with potential pitfalls that could result in significant expenses.
Selecting the wrong species of trees to plant may inadvertently damage the home’s foundation as the trees mature and roots spread. Improperly placed vegetation can lead to severe plumbing issues, such as roots infiltrating drainage and utility lines, causing damage and flooding of streets and potentially homes. Plants and other landscape enhancements within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) rights-of-way could obstruct essential access by crews for regular maintenance activities and emergency access before and after a major storm event.
Ensuring clear rights-of-way is imperative, as encroachments impede access to canals and may exacerbate flooding by obstructing natural drainage routes. Unauthorized encroachments by the property owner must be removed from the canal right-of-way. Frequently found encroachments include trees, vegetation, fences and sheds. Considering the cost of installation and subsequent removal, this expense often catches property owners off guard.
Do not waste your time or money by planting in the wrong place. Residents adjacent to an LWDD canal can contact us at info@lwdd.net to verify the location of property lines before installing any landscape enhancements.