Community Pond

Is It A Lake or Pond?

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It may surprise some residents within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) boundary to learn that the waterbody that is often referred to as the community lake is, in fact, a stormwater management pond. Although stormwater management ponds are often mistaken for lakes, they are very different. Lakes are naturally formed waterbodies whereas stormwater ponds are man-made and have a distinctive and important role in managing surface water quality and quantity.

A stormwater management pond is an engineered structure built to gather surface water runoff (rainfall). The pond temporarily stores water and then releases it at a controlled rate. Through a combination of landscape and structural features, stormwater management ponds allow sediment and contaminants to settle out of runoff water before it is released into drainage canals. Stormwater ponds also hold excess water during large storms thus protecting neighborhoods from flooding. Additionally, stormwater ponds are constructed to be an attractive feature for the community.

The goal of a stormwater pond is to mimic a natural lake, but this requires active maintenance by the community. Being a good steward of your pond means learning how to keep the pond healthy, functional and attractive. Residents can follow these general housekeeping rules for stormwater pond maintenance:

  • Keep yard debris and pet waste out of ponds, drainage canals, swales, and storm drains.
  • Pesticides and fertilizers need to be used and disposed of properly. They should never be broadcast over streets or sidewalks and only applied at the label rate.
  • Properly dispose of all household hazardous materials such as paint, antifreeze or motor oil. For collection, sites visit Palm Beach County Solid Waste. (Link: Solid Waste Authority)
  • Never hose chemicals off impermeable surfaces.
  • Reduce erosion by planting Florida native plants and grasses overexposed areas. (Link: Palm Beach County Florida Native Plant Society)

Many commercial pond management companies can evaluate your community’s stormwater pond and offer suggestions for improvements. For more information about community flood control and stormwater pollution, visit LWDD’s website. (Link: www.lwdd.net)

honda ATV

Motorized Vehicles Along the Canals

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The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canal rights-of-way may appear to be inviting areas for recreational use, but these areas are not designated as pedestrian or riding trails. The function of the LWDD’s canal system and bordering land is vital to public safety because it is part of the flood control system that provides drainage and water supply for all residents within our boundary. Any disruption to these areas can cause community-wide issues.

It is the policy of the District to restrict any uses or access of its rights-of-way which may adversely impact our ability to perform mission-critical flood control activities. These prohibited uses include, but are not limited to, unauthorized access of Off-Road Vehicles, like ATVs, golf carts and dirt bikes. In Palm Beach County, Off-Road Vehicles may only be operated on designated trails or private property you own or have permission to be on.

To address unauthorized use of the canal rights-of-way, LWDD may permit the installation of access gates or ‘No Trespassing’ signs at the intersections of roadways and drainage canals. The public and adjacent landowners may report trespassing on the rights-of-way to the Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office. Trespassers will be warned and directed to vacate LWDD’s property. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has published a brochure regarding the use of Off-Road Vehicles. The public can download a copy at www.pbso.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Off_Road_Vehicle_Information.pdf.

Men looking a set of blueprints

LWDD’s Role in Development Review

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The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) manages 500 miles of stormwater drainage canals within Palm Beach County. But who knew that managing water would also mean managing land?

A very important function of LWDD’s water management role is to ensure it has adequate right-of-way for access, canal maintenance and emergency response for public safety. One way this is accomplished is with LWDD’s staff reviewing and providing comment on all projects going through the development review process with Palm Beach County and other municipalities located within its jurisdictional boundaries.

Once a project is submitted to LWDD, staff reviews the site plan, map of survey, canal cross-sections and other supporting documents to ensure all the right-of-way recording information is properly annotated and determines the appropriate amount of right-of-way required for the canal. The required right-of-way is determined by the size, location and flood control function of the canal. If additional right-of-way is required, notice is provided to the governmental agency and property owner. Time is allowed for the required right-of-way dedication, or board approved variances.

LWDD also reviews and provides comments on all new plats within its jurisdictional boundary. Prior to recording a plat, all LWDD rights-of-way must be clearly delineated and properly annotated. Additionally, all easements must be added to the dedication portion of the plat. This provides the public and future generations with clear identification and description of property rights.
Because LWDD participates in the development review process prior to permitting, any compliance issues can be addressed upfront and costly delays can be avoided. The complete policy on LWDD’s development review process can be found on our website at www.lwdd.net/right-of-way/permitting.

Man picking up debris from street storm drain

Adopt A Storm Drain

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Everyone knows that trash is not good for our waterways, but many people unwittingly contribute to water pollution because they do not understand that “natural” trash like leaves, grass clippings, and pet waste can become pollutants when they enter the water. Additionally, storm drains are part of the local flood control system helping to move stormwater away from homes and businesses. They act as a conduit discharging stormwater into local lakes and canals.

When organic debris like leaves and grass wash down a storm drain, they decompose and release nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen. These nutrients are food for algae and other aquatic plants. Additionally, people can add to the nutrient load by applying fertilizers which can wash down storm drains after a rain.

Debris blocking storm drains can be a local flooding hazard. Even an average afternoon rainstorm can cause local street flooding if the water has nowhere to go. Just a small amount of organic debris and trash on top of a drain grate can reduce drainage capacity. By keeping the storm drain clear of debris, it can function as designed allowing stormwater to flow away from your home and discharge into flood-control canals.

Some helpful tools for cleaning a storm drain include a broom, a rake, a trash grabber, gloves, an orange cone and/or safety vest, a shovel or dustpan and a pail or yard waste bag. Never remove the grate or otherwise attempt to clean inside the catch basin. Clean only the surface of the storm drain grate and the area around it. If the drain seems to be plugged or have any problems, contact your community board/property manager or local municipality to address the issue.

Adopting a storm drain only takes a small amount of time. Let friends and neighbors know about your commitment and invite them to adopt a storm drain too. When we all sweep up, rake up and pick up, we protect our properties and waterways.

Woman on phone

We Like Hearing From You

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Woman on phone

 

Have a question, complaint or suggestion? Or maybe you need some advice about your community drainage system? Give our staff a call. You will always get our undivided attention and quick response. Reach us at 561-498-5363, email info@lwdd.net or stop by our office in Delray Beach. We always enjoy hearing from our residents.