Your Question Answered

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When do I need a permit from LWDD?

Property owners who desire to connect to, place structures in or across, or make use of the District’s canal rights-of-way must submit the appropriate permit application. Staff will review individual applications to ensure projects meet the criteria set forth in the District’s Operating Policies and do not interfere with District access, operations or maintenance activities. Some permit applications may require additional approval by the District’s Board of Supervisors. Contact us at info@lwdd.netwith your permitting questions or if you are unsure as to whether a permit is required for your project.

Hand under running water

April Is Water Conservation Month!

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April is Water Conservation Month! Did you know conserving water year-round is an integral part of managing and protecting South Florida’s water supplies today and for future generations?

Around 3 billion gallons of water are used every day in Central and Southern Florida by 9 million residents and visitors. Future water demands are projected to increase to approximately 4.1 billion gallons per day by 2040. One of the most effective ways to address increasing water needs is through water conservation.

During Water Conservation Month, the Lake Worth Drainage District joins with local governments to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and the ways we can reduce our water use all year long.

With approximately 50 percent of residential water used for irrigation, it is important to irrigate efficiently. Homeowners can use these simple tips to reduce wasted landscape water:

  • Make sure your rain sensor device is working properly to prevent your irrigation system from running when rainfall is meeting your landscape needs.
  • Set an irrigation timer to run pursuant to your local irrigation ordinance and do not irrigate during mid-day hours when evaporation is the highest. Visit Lawn Watering Restrictions to learn more at https://www.sfwmd.gov/community-residents/landscape-irrigation
  • Install a “smart” irrigation controller that uses weather data or soil moisture information to decide when and how much irrigation is needed for your yard.
  • Fix leaks. Finding and fixing water leaks conserves water, saves money and protects your home from damage.
  • Employ Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles by using low maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices.

All of us have a role in protecting our water resources. Together we can ensure a more sustainable water supply for the benefit of all South Floridians.

Cartoon alligator sipping a drink

Sweet Tea and Alligators

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While sitting on your back porch on a hot summer day sipping a cold glass of sweet tea…don’t be surprised if you see a gator sunning himself on the bank of your community’s pond.

Living next to a canal or stormwater pond has a hazard some residents may not be aware of. Drainage canals and ponds are abundant with wildlife even in urbanized areas. Residents may encounter various species living in and around these water bodies. Most of the animals are harmless. Some can become a nuisance to residents like Muscovy ducks, raccoons and iguanas. However, some animals are dangerous and even life-threatening like alligators.

The Alligator is a particularly dangerous animal in a residential area. An estimated 1.3 million alligators inhabit all 67 counties in Florida and can be found anywhere there is standing water. While alligators and people usually coexist peacefully, there have been recorded attacks and occasional fatalities. The key to staying safe is being alert to the possibility of an alligator’s presence.

Be cautious and assume that drainage canals and ponds are home to alligators. Do not swim or wade in areas where alligators are likely to inhabit, especially at dusk or night when they naturally feed. It is important to keep children away from the water’s edge and do not allow family pets to swim or explore waters if you are unsure about the wildlife inhabiting the waterbody. Feeding alligators in Florida is illegal. When people feed alligators, they lose their natural fear of people and associate humans with food.

Generally, an alligator is deemed a nuisance if it is at least 4 feet in length and it poses a threat to people, pets or property. However, there are situations when smaller alligators wind up in places that are not acceptable, such as swimming pools, garages, etc., and must be removed.  In these situations, residents can call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – Nuisance Alligator Hotline, at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).

Now that you know what to do if you encounter an alligator, sit back, enjoy the water view and sip some sweet tea.

school back-board with text "7 Fast Facts on Flood Control"

Back To Basics

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homes on a canal

Your Question Answered

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Q:  I live on an LWDD canal, can I purchase additional footage behind my home?

A:  LWDD canal rights-of-way are typically not for sale. Minimum right-of-way boundaries must be maintained to provide sufficient access for routine and emergency maintenance of canals and flood control infrastructure.

Chapter 4, Section 4.5, Lake Worth Drainage District Right-of-Way Operating Policies, states LWDD wishes to retain its current ownership, or other right-of-way interest(s), unless releasing this interest(s) would benefit LWDD in terms of liability, ease of maintenance, or other such benefit.

That said, where eligible right-of-way interest(s), either fee simple ownership or easement, has been requested to be purchased by an adjacent property owner and determined by LWDD to exceed LWDD’s minimum requirements for canal maintenance and operations, right-of-way may be purchased only if approved by the LWDD Board of Supervisors. On a case-by-case basis, LWDD Board will consider selling LWDD right-of-way determined to be in excess of LWDD right-of-way requirements for the specific canal.

In summary, LWDD may consider selling additional right-of-way interest, either fee simple ownership or easement, behind a property if it exceeds the LWDD’s minimum requirements for canal maintenance and operations and if the sale would benefit both parties. The decision would be made on a case-by-case basis by the LWDD Board of Supervisors.