1 tree toppled over from high winds blocking the right of way access to canal

Adjacent To A Canal – Time To Take Action

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Many people in southeastern Palm Beach County live adjacent to a Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canal. To enhance their backyard, residents look to install landscape materials or structures such as swing-sets and fences. Often without realizing it, these enhancements are installed on LWDD’s rights-of-way which is publicly managed land used for flood control operations.

Effective flood control depends on LWDD’s extensive network of canals to move stormwater away from homes after major weather events. This is especially true during hurricane season. Vegetation and other structures on the canal rights-of-way can severely hinder LWDD’s ability to keep residents safe during and after severe storms. Trees and large shrubs can topple over in high winds blocking emergency access along the canal bank or fall into the canal channel blocking the flow of water. A blocked canal channel not only endangers the residents adjacent to the canal but also individuals living miles inland.

Maintaining water flow within the canal channel and access along the right-of-way is vital for public safety. It requires daily maintenance by LWDD crews as well as the removal of identified encroachments. LWDD encourages adjacent property owners to act before storm season – June 1. Clear vegetation and remove unauthorized encroachments from the canal right-of-way. Additionally, residents should evaluate landscaping and structures on their private property that may pose a potential flooding threat.

If you live adjacent to a canal and need help identifying the property boundary, contact LWDD’s staff at info@lwdd.net and help us help you to become storm ready.

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

patio chairs looking out on to a stormwater pond

Stormwater Ponds- More Than Pretty to Look At

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Stormwater ponds are attractive enhancements to many residential communities and businesses within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) boundary. But more than pretty to look at, these waterbodies serve an important public safety purpose as they are part of the overall flood control system for the neighborhood.

In our area, flood control is a shared responsibility. Achieved through an interconnected 3-tiered system, each of the 3 groups must work together and coordinate efforts for effective flood control. The flood control process begins with the neighborhood’s stormwater pond. When the pond water rises in response to rainfall the excess stormwater will flow through underground pipes to the next link in the flood control chain – the LWDD canals. LWDD canals move excess water to the larger-capacity regional flood control system operated by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) where the excess stormwater can be channeled to storage areas or coastal discharge points.

When the neighborhood pond discharges water to LWDD, it does so through a discharge control structure. Regardless of the design of the control structure, or if the structure is in an open or closed position, excess stormwater will continuously drain from the pond until the proper water elevation is achieved.
The LWDD is unique in that we are the only drainage district authorized by the SFWMD to coordinate the opening of operable control structures with residential communities. This authorization may be given before a weather event to increase capacity in a stormwater pond. Authorization may also be given after a storm to help alleviate street flooding for emergency response vehicles. LWDD works closely with property managers and community boards to manage potential flooding. However, residents should note that after a rain event some standing water in roads, sidewalks, yards and other low-lying areas is normal and required to keep flood water away from homes.

Stormwater ponds can be valuable landscape enhancements. Plantings around the pond can provide natural habitat for wildlife and some ponds are designed with fountains and lighting. But as beautiful as your pond may be, its function is to help protect your home from flooding. You can learn more about stormwater ponds and community flood control at www.lwdd.net/managing-water.