Homeowners, be aware that plantings, hardscaping, and structures within LWDD’s canal rights-of-way are not allowed. Unpermitted encroachments within the right-of-way will have to be removed. Considering the expense of installation and removal, this can be a costly mistake. Don’t waste your time or money. It is always a good idea to contact us and verify property lines before any construction project. Send us an email at info@lwdd.net and be sure before you plant.
The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) was established on June 15, 1915, with a three-member Board of Supervisors whose mission was to reclaim land within its boundaries. Prior to the creation of LWDD, a considerable amount of drainage work had already been completed by several entities such as the State of Florida, the Palm Beach Farms Land Company, the Model Land Company, and the Boston & Florida Atlantic Coast Land Company. In addition, private landowners and farmers had dredged drainage canals throughout the area. Although small drainage systems had been created, a cohesive long-term drainage plan was needed for the future expansion of what is now known as Palm Beach County.
In the spring of 1916, Orrin Randolph, Chief Engineer for the newly created LWDD, presented his first report to the Board of Supervisors. This report contained 127 pages detailing a plan of means and methods for draining the lands within the boundaries of LWDD. The report was submitted in compliance with Chapter 6458 of the 1913 Session Laws of the State of Florida. At that time, LWDD consisted of 129,317 acres of land and 3,400 acres of water. Rectangular in shape, LWDD extended 26 miles in length and 8 miles in width. Population records of 1916 showed there were approximately 6,500 owners of property within LWDD’s boundary making the average ownership equal to 20 acres per capita. Approximately 400 farmers were cultivating an estimated 5,000 acres of land, principally vegetables for distribution to northern markets.
In his report, Orrin Randolph identified the areas within LWDD that could not safely be relied upon for agricultural purposes and outlined the design parameters needed for future drainage. Randolph stated, “Provisions for artificial drainage would absolutely be necessary in order to provide a run-off rapid enough to prevent the destruction of crops as a result of accumulated excess water on the land.” Thus, Randolph’s extensive report was adopted by the Board of Supervisors as the Plan of Reclamation. The implementation of this plan would forever change the local landscape.
South Florida’s abundant agricultural resources served as the catalyst upon which prosperous and populous cities were built. This prosperity, then and now, is a result of the water management plan introduced by Orrin Randolph and adopted by LWDD over a century ago as the Plan of Reclamation. This plan created a large network of drainage canals providing flood control and water supply which remarkably still functions today for over 800,000 residents and tens of thousands of acres of farmland.
Agriculture in our area no longer exists to only feed the local inhabitants, and the migration of people into Florida continues to increase annually. LWDD has modified its mission over the century to meet the changing water management needs of these two diverse communities. Much of the District’s emphasis today is on residential flood protection. Although meeting the needs of agriculture and settlement can bring many challenges, it is because they harmoniously co-exist that living and working in our community is so highly desirable.
With more than 500 miles of canals, the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) must conduct continual maintenance of its waterways in order to provide its residents with effective flood control. An important maintenance function is the control of aquatic vegetation growth within the canal, which can block drainage discharge points and flood control structures.
Controlling the growth of aquatic plants is a never-ending task and requires the use of both herbicide treatments and mechanical methods to remove unwanted vegetation. LWDD strictly adheres to the regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the application of various herbicides associated with aquatic vegetation management. Employees responsible for the treatment of aquatic vegetation are trained and certified annually on the proper application and handling of any herbicides used. Although herbicide application is a very effective tool, LWDD is increasing its efforts to mechanically remove aquatic vegetation and reduce the use of herbicides in its maintenance practices.
Using mechanical means to remove aquatic vegetation includes the use of containment booms. Containment booms are floating ribbon-like structures that span the canal cross-section and extend one foot both above and below the water surface. As water flows through a canal or as winds blow across the water’s surface, floating debris will move through the canal network. The booms serve as a physical barrier, “corralling” the debris while allowing water to continue to flow unimpeded. The booms allow crews to effectively collect, treat and dispose of the material.
Due to South Florida’s subtropical weather and rapid vegetation growth, the use of aquatic herbicide may always be needed to some degree. However, LWDD will continue to look for ways to reduce its use of herbicides within the canal system while still providing for the safety and welfare of our residents.
Over the years, certain portions of the Lake Worth Drainage District’s (LWDD) canal rights-of-way have become encumbered by encroachments that can obstruct LWDD’s ability to provide flood control. The Canal Rehabilitation Program was established in 2015 to identify these canal areas and systematically remove these encroachments. This work is necessary to facilitate effective flood control for public safety and provide unobstructed access for emergency flood control response and routine canal maintenance.
The rehabilitation program is divided into two phases. The first phase of these rehabilitation efforts is to remove all non-native vegetation within the canal right-of-way. Any native vegetation that is determined to interfere with LWDD’s maintenance operations may also be removed. Phase 2 will address structural encroachments such as fences, sheds, patios decks, and some vegetation that could not be accessed during Phase 1.
To date, the LWDD has completed the removal of vegetation from 97.9 miles or 54% of the more than 180.8 miles of encumbered canal rights-of-way. The expected completion of vegetation removal is 2022.
In a state that receives approximately 58 inches of rainfall a year, it may seem irrelevant to discuss drought. However, droughts are a part of south Florida’s climate just like hurricanes, thunderstorms and tornadoes. But unlike these weather hazards that effect our state, droughts usually occur slowly and are often unrecognized by the average citizen until conditions become extreme.
Unlike a storm where street flooding is immediately visible, a drought can be a silent disaster often going unnoticed. Usually, the first indication to the general public that something is wrong occurs when the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) imposes water restrictions to force the conservation of the resource. Water restrictions usually last for a few months without adverse impacts. However, a prolonged period of drought can have disastrous effects, most importantly on public safety.
During major droughts, one management tool used to control water consumption is the reduction in water pressure in distribution lines. The reduction in pressure will reduce the flow, and over time, will result in less water usage. Although a nuisance to residential and commercial users, it can be an effective management tool. However, this can place an undue burden on fire protection systems in general, and more specifically, increase the risk of fire in high-rise buildings that rely on normal system pressures to operate effectively at higher elevations.
The complete termination of public utility water system services has never occurred in south Florida due to a prolonged drought. But it is not inconceivable that if drought conditions are severe enough, water may not be available at any pressure to continue normal water delivery. Line pressures could approach zero, essentially terminating the delivery of water to homes and businesses, as well as requiring extensive decontamination efforts when water pressures are restored.
The safety consideration of severe long-term drought cannot be understated. Florida suffered its worst drought in recent history from 1998-2002. The state received little rainfall during these years. Many of the state’s water basins and streams began to go dry making it near impossible for the underground aquifers to recharge. Because of the extremely dry conditions, much of the state also suffered from wildfires and an estimated 1.5 million acres of land were destroyed.
In the future, the mitigation of drought impacts demands that Federal, state and local entities work together so regulations can be more flexible in order to deal with a drought crisis. Water Managers should continue planning and developing new water storage areas and reservoirs to increase water supply availability. Finally, individuals must incorporate water conservation practices into their daily habits in order to significantly reduce the burden on already limited water supply. More information on drought management and water conservation can be found at the SFWMD website (Link: www.SFWMD.gov).
