C. Stanley Weaver Canal sign at bank of canal

Canal Maintenance-What To Expect

/in , ,

The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) stormwater management system consists of canal channels, rights-of-way on each side of the canal and controls structures and pumps. Consisting of a network of more than 500 miles of canals, over 1,000 miles of rights-of-way and 20 major control structures, LWDD can provide effective flood control and water supply for residents, businesses, and agriculture.

Effective stormwater management is dependent on well-maintained canals and rights-of-way. But what defines “well-maintained”? A canal or right-of-way that some property owners may consider in need of maintenance is often considered well-maintained by LWDD.

Some of the necessary components for effective flood control include the free flow of water in the canal channel to divert excess stormwater from properties, and unencumbered canal rights-of-way to provide access for regular maintenance and emergency response. Through the process of aquatic vegetation removal and canal bank mowing, effective flood control maintenance is achieved.

There are numerous species of aquatic plants found within the District’s canal system. Some aquatic vegetation has the potential to slow the flow of water within the canal channel or large flood control structures. This vegetation growth is controlled with the application of herbicides and/or mechanical removal.

Canal rights-of-way and banks are mowed approximately 3-4 times a year. Flat-mowers mow the rights-of-way, and arm-mowers maintain the side slopes of the canals. This mowing schedule prevents the growth of woody vegetation that may grow to impact access and threaten flood control. Tall grass does not prevent access to canals and control structures or threaten flood control operations. Frequent mowing is not required for flood control and residents should note that grasses and other vegetation can grow several inches in height before mowing crews return to an area.

Although most property lines do not extend to the water’s edge, some property owners adjacent to the right-of-way may choose to maintain the grass to a higher degree through irrigation and more frequent mowing. However, this higher degree of maintenance is at the resident’s cost and the planting of trees and shrubs are not allowed within the LWDD rights-of-way.

Flood control and the maintenance it requires comes at a cost. All property owners within LWDD’s boundary, whether adjacent to a canal or miles away, are assessed at the same tax rate. In 2023 the assessed rate is $49.50 for a parcel equal to or less than an acre in size. By maintaining our canals and rights-of-way to flood control standards, LWDD can achieve its mission of effective flood control at an affordable cost for all residents.

dog wearing glasses and sitting in front of a computer

LWDD Is Open and Transparent

/in

All organizations have records, but public records are a special category only found in government. The laws governing public records are state specific and Florida has one of the broadest and most open-access policies in the United States. Florida Statute Chapter 119 is our Public Records Law and is frequently referred to as the Sunshine Law.

The definition of a public record as stated in Chapter 119 is “…all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the 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.” Additionally, the statute provides 3 principles that govern an agencies responsibility to provide access as:

  1. Each government agency is charged with the responsibility of safeguarding its public records.
  2. Government records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person.
  3. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency.

Unless an exemption exists in the statute, for example, medical information or social security numbers, the records must be made available within a reasonable time to the public upon request. If access is denied, the legal citation of the exemption will be provided. There are over 1,500 exemptions in which the State of Florida has identified a specific record or part of a record that are exempt from disclosure to the public.

The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) provides many frequently requested records like board minutes, financial reports, maps and correspondence on our website at www.lwdd.net. Recently two new functions have been added to the website – E-Services Portal and Mapping Portal. The E-Services Portal is where users can submit and search for permits. The Mapping Portal allows users to report damage to the canal system as well as search for canal rights-of-way, flood control infrastructure and much more.

If you are unable to find the records you need on the website, a public records request can be submitted. Requests for records do not have to be submitted in writing; however, a request form at www.lwdd.net/contact/public-records-request was created to help facilitate the process. Regardless of the method used when making a request, it is important to be specific about the records you are requesting and if possible, include the date range. A very broad and ambiguous request can take longer to fulfill and the cost of production of extraneous records may be burdensome to the requestor.

The LWDD is committed to providing open and prompt access to the agency’s public records and staff is committed to assisting the public in obtaining the information they need.

Couple in front of home leaning on fence

Assistance for HOA Boards

/in ,

The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) wants to make your job a little easier. Whether you are a newly elected board member or have served on your community’s board for years, it is not possible to know the answer to every question. Still, you must communicate, educate, and protect your residents. To help, LWDD offers many avenues to assist community leaders in meeting this responsibility. Listed below are a few:

  1. Learn about your flood control responsibilities as a board member, what the three-tiered system is, and operational tips on our website at lwdd.net/property-managers-hoa.
  2. Request a speaker for your daytime community meeting. Topics such as the community’s role in flood control, future water supply issues, storm readiness, and others are available.
  3. Check out our downloadable flyers you can share with residents and videos you can broadcast on your internal TV station. For a sampling of materials, visit lwdd.net/resources/videos-publications or contact us at info@lwdd.net for more options.
  4. As a Board Member, you may have many questions from residents regarding the community’s drainage system. LWDD can help with that! Pass on our phone number 561-498-5363 or email info@lwdd.net. Our staff is happy to explain how drainage functions within our boundary.
  5. Finally, take advantage of our free e-newsletter containing fun and informative articles. Feel free to reproduce the newsletter in whole or part and share it with your community members.

LWDD is not just your local Drainage District, we are your partner in providing the information and resources about flood control your residents need.

Shaking hands image

Your Question Answered

/in ,

Where can I find information about LWDD’s bidding process?

LWDD purchases goods and services from various vendors throughout the state. Our procurement practices promote fairness and encourage diversity and are consistent with applicable laws, policies, and procedures. LWDD encourages qualified vendors and contractors to respond to solicitations by submitting offers and proposals. LWDD is now posting its competitive solicitations using the online platform, DemandStar. The link can be found at www.lwdd.net/doing-business . Vendors are not required to pre-register with LWDD, however vendors may choose to sign up for email notifications when business opportunities are posted at www.lwdd.net/enotifications.

Equipment building the bank on a canal

Canal Restoration & Maintenance – What’s Next?

/in , ,

Nearly eight years ago, the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) embarked on a large-scale Canal Rehabilitation Program. The Canal Rehabilitation Program includes removal of trees, vegetation, and structural encroachments located within the LWDD rights-of-way, as well as the restoration of canal banks to their original design to enhance drainage and provide adequate maintenance access.

The initial focus of the Canal Rehabilitation Program was removal of vegetation that threatened drainage and obscured right-of-way access. In 2024, LWDD will complete removal of vegetation from over 180 miles of canal rights-of-way. In the future, the rehabilitation program will shift focus to restoration of canal banks and removal of structural encroachments within the rights-of-way.

Over the decades, some areas of the canal system have experienced erosion or sloughing of soil materials from the canal side walls and/or the buildup of decomposing vegetation on the canal bottoms. These occurrences can modify the shape, location, and depth of the canal. The canal bank restoration projects will bring the affected canals back to optimum flood control function. Operational tasks may include dredging of the canal bottom, reshaping of the canal bank and realignment of the canal channel. Included in the project is the analysis of the LWDD’s canal system with computer-aided modeling. This data will assist water managers with planning for future water control and supply needs.

As seen in the diagram below, the typical design of an LWDD canal allows stormwater runoff to flow away from the canal channel. A proper canal bank design should direct stormwater runoff into the drainage system facilities of the neighborhood such as swales, street drains and stormwater ponds. Regional water management regulations do not permit stormwater to flow over the canal bank and into the canal channel directly. Community associations should note that poorly maintained grading of their property can create pooling or flooding issues during rain events. Additionally, failures in encroaching irrigation pipes, pool drains, or roof gutters may cause dangerous washouts in residential yards and on the LWDD rights-of-way. The association may be liable for damages resulting from the installation of unauthorized encroachments or lack of maintenance. It is in the best interest of the community to plan and budget for future repairs to property grading and the removal or relocation of encroachments.

LWDD looks forward to working with our community associations and residents as we take the next step toward enhanced flood control. For questions or to find out ways you can help with the Canal Rehabilitation Program, contact us at info@lwdd.net.

Graphic of canal design showing the rights of way and slop of canal banks