New Year Drainage Checkup!

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New Year Drainage Checkup!

The New Year brings hope, optimism, and new opportunities. It’s the perfect time to ensure that all systems, including your drainage infrastructure, are functioning efficiently. In South Florida, the dry season—running from mid-October to May—is the ideal period for residential communities to inspect their drainage systems and make any necessary repairs. Addressing these issues now will better prepare the community for the upcoming wet season.

A solid understanding of this infrastructure can lead to significant savings in time and money while reducing the risk of potential problems. Below is a brief questionnaire and checklist designed to encourage a proactive approach and help you maintain preparedness throughout the year.

Are you familiar with the community’s drainage infrastructure?

  • Understand the community’s responsibility regarding flood control
  • Review the stormwater and drainage permits provided by SFWMD/LWDD
  • Locate discharge control structures, lakes, pipe connections, outfalls, inlets, and swales
  • Understand the type of discharge control structure (fixed, flashboard, or operable),
  • Learn the designed normal and high-water elevation of the stormwater pond and structure

Has the community board of directors identified the individuals responsible for maintaining and operating the community’s drainage infrastructure?

  • Create a Community Drainage Committee
  • Annually provide contact names, phone numbers, and e-mails via the online form at https://www.lwdd.net/storm-response
  • Ensure individuals are physically able and are available year-round
  • Provide access to equipment such as a crowbar, bolt cutter, and raingear

Does the community conduct regular inspections of its drainage infrastructure?

  • Ensure swales, outfalls, pipes, and inlets are free of debris and water can flow freely
  • Exercise (open and closed) the Emergency Operable Discharge Control Structures before storm season, if applicable
  • Have the drainage system inspected at least every 5 years by a Florida-licensed stormwater engineer
  • Report any identified issues with the drainage connection in the LWDD Right-of-Way to the LWDD Field Representative
  • Exercise (open and closed) the Emergency Operable Discharge Control Structures before storm season, if applicable

Do you educate the community on its neighborhood plan of action?

  • Review educational resources found at https://www.lwdd.net/storm-response
  • Inform residents on flood control responsibilities and the neighborhood plan of action
  • Sign up for email notifications at https://www.lwdd.net/storm-response
  • Circulate flood control information to the community via newsletter, e-mail, or bulletin board

Has the community created an emergency response plan?

  • Identify how the community will respond during a severe storm
  • Locate plans identifying the location and type of drainage infrastructure
  • Store the emergency response plan in an easily accessible location
  • Incorporate the plan into community documents to be passed on to new board members
  • Obtain authorization from LWDD before opening a control structure

Do you know how to contact LWDD for authorizations, updates, and emergency reporting?

  • Know the LWDD Office Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Share the main phone number and email EOC@lwdd.net 561-498-5363 with individuals responsible for maintaining and operating the community’s drainage infrastructure
  • Watch for Weather Alerts and Instructions posted on LWDD at https://www.lwdd.net/storm-response

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at Info@lwdd.net.

LWDD Helps Save Water

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LWDD Helps Save Water

Florida benefits from an average annual rainfall exceeding fifty inches, with most of this precipitation occurring during the six-month rainy season spanning from May to mid-October. While some of the runoff generated from these rains is directed towards the ocean to prevent flooding, a considerable volume permeates the ground, replenishing the freshwater aquifers that serve as a source for our drinking water, lakes, and wetlands.

An extensive regional water management system is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of large populations in South Florida. This system must effectively balance the water supply demands of urban areas and agricultural activities while simultaneously fulfilling the obligations of flood protection.

Groundwater levels tend to decline gradually during drought due to reduced rainfall and elevated evaporation rates. In such instances, regional water managers seek additional water sources, such as the Water Conservation Areas in the Everglades or Lake Okeechobee. Water from these vital reserves is introduced into the canal network to elevate water levels. This process fosters water infiltration through sandy soils, facilitating groundwater recharge and restoring the groundwater table to its standard elevation, safeguarding drinking water supplies.

Inadequate drainage could compromise public health and safety and lead to flooding and significant property damage. Conversely, improper maintenance of regional groundwater levels could impede the functionality of wellfields, preventing them from supplying water to residential and commercial entities. In severe scenarios, the inland migration of saltwater from the ocean could irreversibly contaminate the drinking water supply, rendering it unsafe for consumption.

The Lake Worth Drainage District’s (LWDD) water conservation initiatives play an integral role in addressing the water supply challenges our region faces. The extensive network of LWDD canals is pivotal in regulating groundwater levels and supporting the hydrological levels of lakes, ponds, and wetlands throughout the area.

The LWDD’s commitment to managing drainage canals at optimal elevations, reconciling water supply requirements, and minimizing ocean discharges whenever feasible is essential to a comprehensive approach to water conservation in South Florida.

Be Prepared: Why We Can’t Afford Complacency

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The aftermath of a major storm in Florida can be unforgettable: blue-tarped roofs, piles of yard debris awaiting collection, and the absence of electricity, air conditioning, or clean water. Yet, these memories often fade as life returns to normal. However, for many Floridians, this period of calm can stretch on for years.

The last significant hurricane to impact our region was Wilma in October 2005. As time passes, people tend to forget the hardships of past events. Additionally, newcomers to the area may have never experienced a severe storm, leading to a sense of complacency and procrastination when it comes to emergency planning. However, the tranquility before the storm can swiftly change.

South Florida is renowned not only for hurricanes but also for sudden, intense thunderstorms that can bring torrential downpours any time of year. For instance, in January 2014, more than 15 inches of rain deluged a localized area within hours, causing severe flooding, property damage, and tragic loss of life.

It is crucial for residents to maintain year-round preparedness. This includes regularly checking and replenishing essential supplies like emergency food stocks, water storage, flashlights, and other necessities. Residents should also develop and maintain an evacuation plan, accounting for pets and family members with mobility challenges. Additionally, ensuring insurance policies are current and important documents are readily accessible is essential.

While we hope to navigate through the 2024 hurricane season unscathed, it’s inevitable that our luck may eventually run out. The importance of sustained preparation will then become strikingly evident. Valuable resources for emergency planning information can be accessed at www.ready.gov.

How do residential associations share responsibility in flood control?

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Since 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.

My Pond Needs Water

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Stormwater 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.