Not Your Trash Bin

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The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canal system is not a place for disposing of waste. It is illegal to dump, discard, or dispose of vegetative debris or trash in the LWDD canals or along the rights-of-way. Under Florida’s Litter Law (Florida Statute 403.413) anyone who dumps material on public or private property can face fines and possible jail time. For example, dumping between 15 and 500 pounds of material for non-commercial purposes is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, which can result in fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to one year. The penalties increase with the weight and volume of the dumped material.

Within the LWDD’s service area, illegally dumped materials typically consist of non-hazardous solid waste that people find inconvenient or costly to dispose of properly. Common items include household trash, furniture, appliances, tires, and vegetative debris from lawn care and tree trimming. Offenders often include residents, contractors (in construction and landscaping), waste haulers, and automobile repair shops.

Negative Impacts of Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping can lead to various negative consequences, affecting public safety, the environment, and the local economy. For example, dumping in drainage canals can reduce their ability to control flooding and put nearby residents at risk. Trash discarded along canal rights-of-way can also obstruct access for routine maintenance or emergency response during severe weather events.

While landfills are designed to prevent waste from leaching into the ground or nearby water sources, illegal dumping does not have such protections and can contaminate local water and land. Additionally, illegal dumping creates an eyesore that lowers property values in surrounding areas. Local governments are forced to allocate resources for cleanup and pollution remediation, which places a financial burden on the community.

Reporting Illegal Dumping

If you witness illegal dumping in progress, contact your local law enforcement immediately. Catching offenders in the act is the most effective way to enable police to apprehend them and deter future violations. Never confront someone who is dumping. Instead, take note of the vehicle’s license plate number or a description of the vehicle used.

Please help us raise awareness about the importance of proper trash disposal by sharing this information with your neighbors. For more information on the proper disposal of trash, visit the Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority at www.swa.org. They have information on how to properly discard of all waste.

Your Questions Answered

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Q. My community lake is very low, can you fill it up?

A. During the dry season, which runs from approximately October to May, it is expected that ponds will have a lower water elevation which may expose sandy banks and reduce the ability to utilize the pond for lawn irrigation. Since rainfall is the primary way stormwater ponds receive their water supply, and water from the LWDD canal system cannot be used to recharge ponds, these conditions will continue until additional rainfall occurs.

Your Questions Answered

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Q. I live adjacent to an LWDD canal and want to install a boat dock. Do I need a permit?

A. 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.net with your permitting questions or if you are unsure as to whether a permit is required for your project.

2025 District Engineer’s Annual Report

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New Year Drainage Checkup!

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New Year Drainage Checkup!

The New Year brings hope, optimism, and new opportunities. It’s the perfect time to ensure that all systems, including your drainage infrastructure, are functioning efficiently. In South Florida, the dry season—running from mid-October to May—is the ideal period for residential communities to inspect their drainage systems and make any necessary repairs. Addressing these issues now will better prepare the community for the upcoming wet season.

A solid understanding of this infrastructure can lead to significant savings in time and money while reducing the risk of potential problems. Below is a brief questionnaire and checklist designed to encourage a proactive approach and help you maintain preparedness throughout the year.

Are you familiar with the community’s drainage infrastructure?

  • Understand the community’s responsibility regarding flood control
  • Review the stormwater and drainage permits provided by SFWMD/LWDD
  • Locate discharge control structures, lakes, pipe connections, outfalls, inlets, and swales
  • Understand the type of discharge control structure (fixed, flashboard, or operable),
  • Learn the designed normal and high-water elevation of the stormwater pond and structure

Has the community board of directors identified the individuals responsible for maintaining and operating the community’s drainage infrastructure?

  • Create a Community Drainage Committee
  • Annually provide contact names, phone numbers, and e-mails via the online form at https://www.lwdd.net/storm-response
  • Ensure individuals are physically able and are available year-round
  • Provide access to equipment such as a crowbar, bolt cutter, and raingear

Does the community conduct regular inspections of its drainage infrastructure?

  • Ensure swales, outfalls, pipes, and inlets are free of debris and water can flow freely
  • Exercise (open and closed) the Emergency Operable Discharge Control Structures before storm season, if applicable
  • Have the drainage system inspected at least every 5 years by a Florida-licensed stormwater engineer
  • Report any identified issues with the drainage connection in the LWDD Right-of-Way to the LWDD Field Representative
  • Exercise (open and closed) the Emergency Operable Discharge Control Structures before storm season, if applicable

Do you educate the community on its neighborhood plan of action?

  • Review educational resources found at https://www.lwdd.net/storm-response
  • Inform residents on flood control responsibilities and the neighborhood plan of action
  • Sign up for email notifications at https://www.lwdd.net/storm-response
  • Circulate flood control information to the community via newsletter, e-mail, or bulletin board

Has the community created an emergency response plan?

  • Identify how the community will respond during a severe storm
  • Locate plans identifying the location and type of drainage infrastructure
  • Store the emergency response plan in an easily accessible location
  • Incorporate the plan into community documents to be passed on to new board members
  • Obtain authorization from LWDD before opening a control structure

Do you know how to contact LWDD for authorizations, updates, and emergency reporting?

  • Know the LWDD Office Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Share the main phone number and email EOC@lwdd.net 561-498-5363 with individuals responsible for maintaining and operating the community’s drainage infrastructure
  • Watch for Weather Alerts and Instructions posted on LWDD at https://www.lwdd.net/storm-response

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at Info@lwdd.net.