underground propane tanks

Understanding Special Districts

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There are many special districts within the State of Florida. The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) is one of the 1,700 active special districts that provide services. However, many Floridians do not understand what a special district is, and its role in the community.

Special districts have four common characteristics. They are a form of government; they are governed by a board; they provide services and facilities, and they have defined boundaries.

Unlike cities and counties that are general-purpose governments and perform a broad array of services to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all their citizens, special districts are limited purpose local governments and provide only the specific services for which they were created. They are good examples of democracy at work because they provide services the public requires and only those receiving the services pay an assessment, fee or tax.

Special districts have the legislative authority to provide the required facilities to complete the work they were created for. For example, constructing public works projects such as canals and water control structures. They have the taxing authority to raise money to pay for these projects as well as their maintenance and operation. However, special districts rarely have the regulatory authority to enact laws or ordinances for a common public goal. For example, water restrictions which are imposed to reduce the public’s use is under the authority of the South Florida Water Management District, a state agency.

Most special districts are single-purpose Districts. This is true for the LWDD whose sole function is to provide drainage for the landowners within its boundary. Others, such as the Indian Trail Improvement District provide several services in addition to drainage, like road construction and recreational facilities. Special districts can further be identified as dependent or independent. LWDD is an independent district because its governing board is elected by the landowners within its boundary and not appointed by another government entity as in the case of the Housing Finance Authority of Palm Beach County.

LWDD is authorized by legislation to assess its landowners for the flood control services it provides. In 2019, the assessment is a non-ad valorem fee of $49.50 per one acre or portion thereof. The acre assessment provides that all landowners within the LWDD boundary pay a share that is weighted to the quantity of land that receives drainage services. For example, the average single-family resident pays $49.50 a year whereas an agricultural business may pay several hundred times that amount.

It is common for drainage districts to elect board members by a ‘one acre one vote’ method. This is different than a ‘one person one vote’ method used by cities and counties. The acre-vote system ensures landowners who have a greater stake in the drainage services received also have a greater say. This is like owning stock shares in a company. The more stock you own, in this case land, the more votes you cast. Because LWDD provides only the single purpose service of drainage, it is reasonable that the number of votes cast be comparable to the amount of assessment paid and quantity of land owned.

clearing canal

Public Safety Projects

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Hurricanes, tropical depressions, and tornados are some of the severe weather events the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) must be prepared to deal with at any given moment. Managing over 500 miles of drainage canals and 1,000 miles of associated rights-of-way is a monumental task. It requires experienced staff working daily to maintain the free flow of water in the channel and unencumbered access along the canal banks.

Often mistakenly perceiving the LWDD rights-of-way as part of their backyard, property owners may enhance the rights-of-way with items like trees, fences, sheds or patio decks. These enhancements, or encroachments, can jeopardize public safety during severe weather. Trees and shrubs can fall into the canal, slowing the progression of drainage or cause blockages at major flood control structures. Additionally, structures placed on the right-of-way, like fences or sheds, can obscure sightlines for visual inspections and impede access for maintenance and emergency response.

To combat this problem, LWDD has undertaken a Canal Rehabilitation Program. The rehabilitation process includes the removal of encroachments and, if needed, reconstruction of canal banks. Canal rehabilitation is different than regular maintenance operations. Regular canal maintenance is performed on a scheduled basis and includes mowing, aquatic vegetation management, and encroachment removal. Canal rehabilitation is a more intensive operation and occurs on a more infrequent basis. After rehabilitation takes place, the canals are added to the regular maintenance schedule.

In many instances, areas may not have been addressed for several years due to operational priorities. Following Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004 and Wilma in 2005, the focus switched to providing unencumbered emergency access along both sides of LWDD canals. The goal of rehabilitation is to return the canal and the right-of-way as close as possible to its original design, thus providing optimal flood control operations.

The health, safety, and welfare of our constituents are paramount, and a well-maintained canal system is the best defense against possible flooding. The District estimates the vegetative removal phase of the project will be completed in 2022.

Smart Cover System Case Study

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golden retriever dog in rain boots holding an umbrella

Weekend Weather Update

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Control Structure

Technology Enhances Flood Control

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South Florida’s tropical weather events can be intense and seriously threaten property and life. In response, the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) monitors canal elevations and makes necessary operational adjustments to its water control structures to provide flood control for the 200 square miles of land within its boundary.

Water control structures act like dams, allowing stormwater to be released or held back depending on weather conditions. The technology used to operate LWDD’s water control structures is called Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). As the water rises in the canal and reaches a pre-determined elevation, SCADA will slowly open control structures releasing water for flood control. Similarly, as water elevations return to normal levels the control structure gates will close, holding back water for conservation and water supply demands.

This response to changes in the canal system happens automatically and can be monitored remotely by staff using mobile devices. However, in anticipation of severe weather, staff can override the automated SCADA system and make manual adjustments as needed. The remote monitoring and operating functions of SCADA eliminates the need for LWDD staff to venture out during dangerous weather conditions to operate control structures, as well as significantly reduces response time.

Another advantage to SCADA is the capture of operational data by the system which can be used to evaluate future water supply needs and historical flood control responses. This data can be shared with regional water management partners for enhanced flood control coordination and water conservation measures.

LWDD is proud to provide the residents and businesses within our boundary this advanced flood control technology.