WHAT IS A “WELL-MAINTAINED” CANAL?

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The LWDD canals are crucial in flood control and water supply. With over 500 miles of drainage canals, the LWDD manages stormwater to support residents, businesses, and agriculture. Effective flood control hinges on the maintenance of these canals and their rights-of-way. But what does “well-maintained” actually mean? A canal or right-of-way that some property owners might view as unsightly is often considered well-maintained for flood control purposes by the LWDD.

Firstly, canals are not maintained for aesthetic reasons. They are not designed to be pristine waterways for recreational use; instead, they are maintained primarily for effective flood control. Key aspects of this maintenance include ensuring the free flow of water to divert excess stormwater from properties and keeping canal rights-of-way clear for regular maintenance and emergency access. This is achieved by removing aquatic vegetation and the mowing of canal banks.

The LWDD’s canal system hosts various species of aquatic plants. Some plants can slow water flow within the canal channels or large flood control structures. To manage this, the LWDD uses herbicides and mechanical removal methods. While algae in canals may not be visually appealing to some property owners, it does not pose a threat to flood control. Algae are small and can easily pass through drainage pipes and control structures. Moreover, the herbicides used to treat algae are chosen to minimize harm to the water body.

Canal rights-of-way and banks are maintained on different schedules. The low-maintenance team uses specialized equipment for smaller areas twice a year, while the high-maintenance crew mows the top of the banks approximately four times a year. The side slopes are maintained by arm-mowers about three times a year. Tall grass does not impede access to canals or control structures or disrupt flood control operations. Grasses and vegetation can grow several inches before the next scheduled mowing, and because these areas are not fertilized or irrigated, a quarterly mowing schedule supports natural seeding and regrowth.

Some property owners adjacent to the right-of-way may choose to enhance the appearance of their grass by irrigating and mowing more frequently. However, this additional maintenance is at their own expense, and no encroachments like trees or shrubs are permitted.

Effective flood control involves costs shared by all property owners within the Lake Worth Drainage District boundary, regardless of proximity to a canal. The non-ad valorem assessment rate for 2025 is $48.50 for parcels equal to or less than one acre, as determined by the Board of Supervisors. By ensuring well-maintained canal rights-of-way, the Lake Worth Drainage District fulfills its mission of effective flood control at an equitable cost for all residents.

 

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM-AGING INFRASTRUCTURE

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Flood control happens in unison. There is a three-tier system that plays a significant role in protecting our residents. Neighborhood drainage systems, or tertiary systems, are operated by property owners or 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.

Most culverts, or water pipes that go under the surface, in the U.S. were originally estimated to last between 40 and 50 years before needing replacement due to wear and tear. However, many are now approaching the end of their lifespan, creating significant challenges exacerbated by factors such as population growth and poor planning.

When these culverts begin to reach their lifespan, they can create serious issues for the system. A neighborhood’s excess water drains into community ponds through street and yard drains. A collapsed culvert under a roadway could bring down the road and disrupt a neighborhood.  The cost associated with this can range anywhere from $40,000 to north of $1 million depending on what the actual issue is. This is a massive cost to spring onto homeowners.

It is crucial to ensure that both plans and funding are in place to address these issues. Property managers and homeowners’ associations (HOAs) should be diligent in maintaining storm drains, retention ponds and the pipes that connect to our canals to help manage and mitigate these challenges. Regularly the entire system needs to be checked and examined to check for vulnerabilities. Here is a list of recommendations that should frequently arise

  1. Clear debris, sediment, or trash out of all pipes, inlets, and culverts. Keep grates clear and remove obstructions.
  2. Keep grass areas and swales mowed regularly. Prevent any deposits of yard clippings or related vegetation and waste to prevent filling in overtime.
  3. Check canals and ditches for any signs of erosion and stabilize the areas with plantings or sod. Regularly compare the original design with the existing dimensions and slopes to monitor and address any changes.
  4. Maintain wet ponds and lakes by removing trash, dead vegetation, and debris. Inspect outfall pipes to make sure they’re clear and open. Repair washouts or eroded areas with sod or vegetation.
  5. Routinely inspect any other outfall structures and weir, looking for signs of obstruction or damage that needs to be cleared or repaired. Remove vegetation or trash.
  6. Have the culverts professionally inspected for root corrosion and other signs of failure.

 

 

LWDD ADOPTS FY25 BUDGET WITH DECREASE IN ANNUAL ASSESSMENT

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Delray Beach, FL, – The Lake Worth Drainage District Board of Supervisors approved its Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, totaling $17.3 million. A notable highlight of this budget is a reduction in the District’s non-ad valorem assessment rate, reducing it from $49.50 to $48.50 per acre of portion thereof. The budget reflects the District’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving infrastructure while responsibly considering the financial implications to landowners.

This reduction follows the successful completion of Phase I of the District’s canal rehabilitation program, an eight-year initiative during which over 180 miles of trees and vegetation were cleared from the canal rights-of-way. To expedite this critical work, the Board had previously approved an increase in the assessment rate, allowing the District to utilize contracted services for the rapid removal of vegetation. With the completion of Phase I, the Board is now able to fulfill its commitment to reduce the assessment rate.

“The completion of Phase I of our canal rehabilitation program is a major achievement for the District,” said Board President Steve Bedner. “We are proud to deliver both enhanced infrastructure and financial savings to our residents.”

The extensive canal rehabilitation efforts competed to date have positioned the District to better recover from major storm events. By clearing the canal right-of-way of hazardous vegetation, the District has significantly improved the capacity and efficiency of its water management system, enhancing resilience against future storms.

The FY25 budget ensures ongoing support for essential flood control and water supply services, and continued funding for Phase II of the District’s canal rehabilitation program. Phase II will focus on restoration of canal banks and the removal of unauthorized structural encroachments to re-establish sufficient and safe maintenance banks for enhanced flood control. For more information about the FY25 budget or the canal rehabilitation program, please visit www.lwdd.net or contact us at info@lwdd.net.

By The books

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All organizations maintain records, but public records are a distinct category exclusive to government entities. The laws governing public records vary by state, and Florida boasts one of the most expansive and accessible policies in the United States. Florida Statute Chapter 119, commonly known as the Sunshine Law, defines our Public Records Law.

According to Chapter 119, a public record encompasses “…all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency.” Furthermore, the statute outlines three principles that govern how agencies handle public records:

  1. Each government agency is responsible for safeguarding its public records.
  2. Government records are available for personal inspection and copying by any individual.
  3. Providing access to public records is a fundamental obligation of each agency.

Unless specifically exempted by statute (e.g., medical information, social security numbers), records must be provided to the public upon request within a reasonable timeframe. If access is denied, the agency will cite the legal basis for the exemption. The State of Florida has identified over 1,500 exemptions where certain records or parts thereof are not disclosed to the public.

The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) offers many commonly requested records on its website at www.lwdd.net. If you cannot locate the desired records online, you may submit a public records request. While written requests are not mandatory, a request form is available at www.lwdd.net/contact/public-records-request to streamline the process. When making a request, please specify the records you seek and, if possible, include the relevant date range. Vague or overly broad requests may delay fulfillment and incur unnecessary costs for additional records. LWDD is committed to transparent and timely access to its public records, with staff available to assist in obtaining the necessary information.

No Swim Zone

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South Florida is a popular destination for water activities during the hot summer months. The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canal system may seem like an appealing spot to cool off, swim, or enjoy a day of fishing. However, it’s important to recognize that these waterways can pose significant dangers.

LWDD canals were not designed for recreational use. They serve the critical functions of collecting stormwater for flood control and supplying water to residents and businesses within our area. The operation of this flood control system involves large water control structures that, when opened, can cause sudden changes in water levels and create strong currents that are not always visible from the surface. These currents can catch swimmers and boaters off guard, and near open structures, undertows can be powerful enough to pull swimmers and small boats underwater.

Canal banks lack protective barriers and may collapse due to the soft sandy soil and underlying rocks. Once in the water, the steep slope of the canal bank can make it extremely difficult to climb out. Depending on the time of day or the location of the canal, cries for help may go unnoticed.

Numerous hidden dangers and submerged hazards lurk within the canals, such as broken glass, scrap metal, bottles, cans, and wildlife including alligators, snapping turtles, and snakes. Diving in these canals is particularly hazardous due to varying depths and submerged aquatic vegetation that can entangle limbs.

To ensure safety, adhere to a few essential guidelines: refrain from swimming in canals; opt for safer environments like pools or beaches instead. Maintain a safe distance from canal banks to prevent accidental falls into the waterway, and always steer clear of water control structures.

For more comprehensive water safety tips, visit the Palm Beach County Drowning Prevention Coalition’s website at http://discover.pbcgov.org/drowningprevention.