Encroachment on Right-of-way

Residents Using Public Land

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Many people in southeastern Palm Beach County live adjacent to a Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canal. To enhance their backyard, residents look to install landscape materials or structures such as swing-sets, fences, and patio decks. Often without realizing it, these enhancements are installed on LWDD’s rights-of-way which is publicly managed land.

Effective flood control depends on LWDD’s extensive network of canals to move stormwater away from homes after major weather events. Vegetation and other structures on the canal rights-of-way can severely hinder LWDD’s ability to keep residents safe during and after severe storms. Trees and large shrubs can topple over in high winds blocking emergency access along the canal bank or fall into the canal channel blocking the flow of water. Encroachments not only endanger the residents adjacent to the canal but also individuals living miles inland.

Maintaining water flow within the canal channel and access along the right-of-way is vital for public safety. It requires daily maintenance by LWDD crews as well as the removal of identified encroachments. LWDD encourages all property owners to contact us prior to the installation of landscaping or structures to ensure it is not located on public land. No matter how expensive the installation or beautiful, unauthorized encroachments will have to be removed. Considering installation and removal, this can be a costly mistake for homeowners.

If you live adjacent to a canal, contact LWDD staff at info@lwdd.net to verify the location of your next project and help us keep you and your neighbors safe.

Young Man by water

Canals Are Not Designed for Recreation

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South Florida is an aquatic playground during hot summer months. The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canal system may appear to be an ideal place to cool-off and swim or spend a day fishing. However, it is important to understand that these inviting waterways can be dangerous.

LWDD canals were not created for recreational use. They are designed to collect and convey stormwater to provide both flood control and water supply for residents and businesses within our boundary. Operation of this flood control system includes large water control structures which when opened can create a sudden change in a canal’s water elevation, as well as strong currents that may not be visible on the water’s surface. This current can catch swimmers and boaters by surprise. If close to an open structure, the undertow can create a strong enough force to pull swimmers and small boats under.

Canal rights-of-way do not have protective barriers, and banks may give way due to the soft sandy soil and rocks below. Once a person is in the water, it can be very difficult to climb out due to the steep side-slope of the canal bank. Depending on the time of day or location of the canal, cries for help may not be heard.

Many invisible dangers and submerged hazards exist in the canals like broken glass, scrap metal, bottles, and cans, as well as wild animals. It is not unusual to see alligators, snapping turtles and snakes living in and near canals. Diving into a drainage canal is particularly dangerous because canal depths can vary significantly, and subsurface aquatic vegetation can tangle around extremities.

Stay safe and follow a few simple rules. Do not swim in a canal, instead head to the pool or beach. Keep a safe distance from the canal bank to avoid falling in the waterway. Always stay clear of water control structures. Visit Palm Beach County Drowning Prevention Coalition’s website for more water safety tips at http://discover.pbcgov.org/drowningprevention.

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Septic Systems and Flooding

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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.

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Your Health & Flood Water

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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.

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Flood Control Resource For Communities

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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.