Hurricane Season sign

Only A Month Away

/in , ,

Florida’s hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends November 30. A typical season will average 12 tropical storms with sustained winds of at least 39 miles per hour, of which six may turn into hurricanes with winds of 74 miles per hour or more. In addition to high winds, hurricanes and tropical storms can bring torrential rainfall. These severe weather events can produce localized flooding that can be exacerbated by improperly maintained drainage systems.

Residential communities and businesses can help mitigate the impacts from severe storms with a few simple steps. One crucial step is the pre-storm inspection and maintenance of drainage infrastructure. Drainage infrastructure can include inlets, discharge control structures, connecting pipes and ponds. Proper maintenance of these facilities will ensure unobstructed flow of stormwater away from homes and fully operational equipment.

Secondly, residential communities and businesses with operable discharge control structures can request authorization from the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) to open these structures prior to the storm. Lowering pond levels before the hurricane arrives can provide additional storage for excess stormwater. LWDD recommends the establishment of a drainage committee whose role is to provide for the maintenance and operation of the community or business’ drainage system. Drainage committees may consist of one or more individuals like board members, residents and/or property managers. All members of the Drainage committee should register with LWDD on its website at www.lwdd.net/storm-response. This registration process ensures the LWDD knows who to contact and where to send important weather alerts and instructions.

During the storm event, follow emergency management instructions via local news and take appropriate actions to keep yourself, family and property safe. For safety reasons most emergency personnel will not be deployed during a weather event. Only when winds have subsided will response operations begin.

Depending on the volume and duration of rainfall, expect streets, sidewalks, driveways and lawns to flood. These areas are designed to function as secondary detention areas and help to keep water away from homes and businesses. This flooding is temporary and will begin to recede after an event has passed. During the storm event LWDD personnel will be monitoring canal elevations and making operational adjustments to major flood control structures. This work can be conducted during the storm via wireless mobile devices and provides instantaneous response to changes in water elevations.

It may be tempting to explore outside but stay indoors after the storm. For your safety and to keep roadways clear for emergency response vehicles, stay inside until told otherwise by authorities. Do not attempt to walk in flooded areas. Flood water may be unsanitary and there may be downed power lines or other hazards that are not visible. Do not drive on flooded roadways as vehicles can become unstable and float in as little as a few inches of water. Additionally, canal banks may fail, and roadways may be affected by sinkholes. The location of roads and sidewalks may not be discernible from canals and life-threatening accidents can occur.

No system, no matter how well designed, is 100% flood proof. The likelihood of flooding depends on several variables such as rainfall volume, ground saturation and local terrain. But collaborating closely with communities, businesses and other water management agencies, LWDD can help keep you and your property safe from flooding.

Bird on the canal bank

You Question Answered

/in ,

What is the purpose of the canal right-of-way?

The canal rights-of-way are public property. The primary purpose of canal banks and channels is for providing flood control. LWDD requires clear unencumbered access for regular maintenance and emergencies. Response time is critical when trying to prevent flooding. It may appear that the District right-of-way is wider than it needs to be. This may be true if all the District did in this area was to mow the ground vegetation from the canal berms and the channel side slopes.  However, from time to time the District also needs access for much larger equipment for canal dredging and erosion repairs, and, more importantly, access to the channel for clean-up of debris during and after storm events.

Man speaking at a podium

Your Question Answered

/in

Does LWDD offer educational speakers?

The District is pleased to offer, at no charge, speakers on various water management topics. Requests can be emailed to info@lwdd.net or you can call the main office at 561-498-5363. Scheduling during business hours (M-F, 8am to 5pm) is preferred, however special arrangements may be available for evening and weekends.

Your Question Answered

/in ,

When do I need a permit from LWDD?

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.netwith your permitting questions or if you are unsure as to whether a permit is required for your project.

Hand under running water

April Is Water Conservation Month!

/in , ,

April is Water Conservation Month! Did you know conserving water year-round is an integral part of managing and protecting South Florida’s water supplies today and for future generations?

Around 3 billion gallons of water are used every day in Central and Southern Florida by 9 million residents and visitors. Future water demands are projected to increase to approximately 4.1 billion gallons per day by 2040. One of the most effective ways to address increasing water needs is through water conservation.

During Water Conservation Month, the Lake Worth Drainage District joins with local governments to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and the ways we can reduce our water use all year long.

With approximately 50 percent of residential water used for irrigation, it is important to irrigate efficiently. Homeowners can use these simple tips to reduce wasted landscape water:

  • Make sure your rain sensor device is working properly to prevent your irrigation system from running when rainfall is meeting your landscape needs.
  • Set an irrigation timer to run pursuant to your local irrigation ordinance and do not irrigate during mid-day hours when evaporation is the highest. Visit Lawn Watering Restrictions to learn more at https://www.sfwmd.gov/community-residents/landscape-irrigation
  • Install a “smart” irrigation controller that uses weather data or soil moisture information to decide when and how much irrigation is needed for your yard.
  • Fix leaks. Finding and fixing water leaks conserves water, saves money and protects your home from damage.
  • Employ Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles by using low maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices.

All of us have a role in protecting our water resources. Together we can ensure a more sustainable water supply for the benefit of all South Floridians.