During heavy rainfall, the soil around the septic tank and in the drain field can become saturated. The effluent may not be able to properly drain through the soil. By taking special care with your septic system after flooding, you can contribute to the health of your household, community and environment. For more information, download the University of Florida’s tips sheet – CLICK HERE.
Summertime rainstorms can bring heavy rainfall with localized ponding in swales, roadways and front yards. These low-lying areas are designed to hold stormwater to keep our homes dry. But weather is unpredictable and severe rainfall in a short period of time may overwhelm the drainage system causing flooding.
Should you encounter flood water, remember that basic hygiene is critical. Wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after participating in flood cleanup activities and after handling articles contaminated with flood water.
Avoid eating or drinking anything that has been in contact with flood water. Flood water may be contaminated with fecal matter or other pollutants, so do not wade through, or allow children or pets to play in standing water. If you have any open cuts or sores and cannot avoid contact with flood water, keep them as clean as possible by washing with soap to control infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
Remove and discard absorbent household materials, such as curtains, rugs, and Sheetrock. Clean all walls and hard-surfaced floors with soap and water and disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Thoroughly disinfect surfaces where food may come into contact such as counter tops, refrigerators, and tables. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water.
Saturated ground soil can place stress on residential septic systems. If on a septic system and your plumbing is functioning slowly there may be a problem with too much ground water. To help reduce the stress on the septic system, conserve water as much as possible. The less water used the less water the septic tank must process. Do not have the septic tank pumped as exceptionally high-water tables might crush a septic tank that was pumped dry.
During severe weather events, the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) monitors the canal water elevations and makes operational adjustments to the system. However, we still want to hear from residents and businesses within our boundary who may be experiencing flooding issues. Report flooding by calling the main office number 561-498-5363 or sending an email to eoc@lwdd.net.
Residential communities play an important role in providing flood control for their residents. Since the mid-1970s, development standards for drainage systems have been regulated through design and permitting to ensure flood protection. Learn more about your flood control role by downloading the guidelines on maintaining and operating a community drainage system – CLICK HERE.
You have your hurricane supplies ready and emergency plan in place, but have you forgotten about your outdoor living space? Many residents work hard creating beautiful yards but living in Florida means we live with hurricanes. There is no way to completely protect your landscape from the effects of a severe storm, but there are some things you can do to minimize potential damage.
When a storm is approaching take time to mow your yard. This may seem unimportant at the time, but it will make debris clean-up easier and you have one less thing to think about post-storm. Also, once the rain starts it may be days or even weeks before you can safely operate a lawn mower through the saturated soil and grass.
Do not prune trees and leave debris on site if a storm is imminent. It is better to take a chance and leave the tree intact if you cannot get the debris off site before the storm. Remove coconuts from coconut palm trees and harvest fruits from other trees that are mature enough to be picked. Branches and other debris become dangerous projectiles during a storm. If you have waited until the last minute to trim large branches, store them in your garage or another safe place away from the wind.
Support small trees and tall plants with sturdy stakes driven at least 8-inches into the ground. You can also lay arches and trellises on the ground and anchor them with a rope or wire. Masses of heavy vines growing on fences can pull fencing over in high winds. If the vines are extensive you may want to trim or remove them altogether.
In addition to wind damage, you may be faced with flooded areas of your yard for several days or weeks. Flooded conditions can seriously impact water-intolerant plants leading to fruit drop, wilting and root rot. Saturated soil coupled with high winds lead to uprooted trees, especially trees with shallow root systems. Sprinkler systems should be in the off mode. This includes irrigation systems with a rain shut-off device. You can reset your system to automatic when the soil dries out.
Clear house gutters of leaves, branches, and other debris to ensure water from heavy rains has free movement away from the house. Make sure gutters are firmly attached and directing water away from the home. If there are no gutters and the water pours off the roof in a concentrated area, consider placing pavers or rocks in the runoff area to reduce soil erosion.
Before the storm arrives, check surrounding areas to ensure there are no blockages that may prevent drainage. Clear debris from areas where water will flow like storm drains and swale areas. After the storm, check these areas again for possible blockages.
We may get lucky and avoid a hurricane this year, but it is better to be safe and prepared for the worst. Take time before the storm to protect yourself, your family, and your property from potential damage.
