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.

LWDD Helps Save Water

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LWDD Helps Save Water

Florida benefits from an average annual rainfall exceeding fifty inches, with most of this precipitation occurring during the six-month rainy season spanning from May to mid-October. While some of the runoff generated from these rains is directed towards the ocean to prevent flooding, a considerable volume permeates the ground, replenishing the freshwater aquifers that serve as a source for our drinking water, lakes, and wetlands.

An extensive regional water management system is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of large populations in South Florida. This system must effectively balance the water supply demands of urban areas and agricultural activities while simultaneously fulfilling the obligations of flood protection.

Groundwater levels tend to decline gradually during drought due to reduced rainfall and elevated evaporation rates. In such instances, regional water managers seek additional water sources, such as the Water Conservation Areas in the Everglades or Lake Okeechobee. Water from these vital reserves is introduced into the canal network to elevate water levels. This process fosters water infiltration through sandy soils, facilitating groundwater recharge and restoring the groundwater table to its standard elevation, safeguarding drinking water supplies.

Inadequate drainage could compromise public health and safety and lead to flooding and significant property damage. Conversely, improper maintenance of regional groundwater levels could impede the functionality of wellfields, preventing them from supplying water to residential and commercial entities. In severe scenarios, the inland migration of saltwater from the ocean could irreversibly contaminate the drinking water supply, rendering it unsafe for consumption.

The Lake Worth Drainage District’s (LWDD) water conservation initiatives play an integral role in addressing the water supply challenges our region faces. The extensive network of LWDD canals is pivotal in regulating groundwater levels and supporting the hydrological levels of lakes, ponds, and wetlands throughout the area.

The LWDD’s commitment to managing drainage canals at optimal elevations, reconciling water supply requirements, and minimizing ocean discharges whenever feasible is essential to a comprehensive approach to water conservation in South Florida.