Rain flows down from a roof down

Helpful Information to Pass Along to Your Communities

According to the most recent US census data, Palm Beach County’s estimated 2024 population is 1,548,985 making it the fourth most populous county in Florida. LWDD’s videos and fact sheets library help educate homeowners, especially those new to our unique stormwater drainage system, on the community’s role in flood protection. Check out these resources for more information.
group of people at event

Walking to Honor Survivors & Loved Ones

LWDD joined thousands participating in the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk in West Palm Beach. The LWDD team raised almost $1,700 towards the fight to cure breast cancer. We met each other’s family and friends, enjoyed each other’s company, and cheered, honored, and hoped for those affected by this disease.

White bird by a stormwater pond

Is it a lake or is it a pond?

It may surprise some residents within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) boundary to learn that the waterbody often referred to as a community lake is, in fact, a stormwater management pond. These two water bodies are very different from each other. Lakes are naturally formed waterbodies whereas stormwater ponds are man-made and have a distinct 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.

A stormwater pond should 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. Some general housekeeping rules for stormwater pond maintenance are:
• 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 Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County.
• Never hose chemicals off impermeable surfaces.
• Reduce erosion by planting Florida native plants and grasses in overexposed areas. Find out more at 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 us at www.lwdd.net.

Your Question Answered

Q: What is the difference between the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)? Click here to find the answer.

A: Both the LWDD and the SFWMD provide flood control but differ in size and responsibilities. SFWMD is one of our state’s five regional water management districts and oversees the water resources in the southern half of Florida, covering 16 counties from Orlando to the Florida Keys. LWDD is a local, independent special taxing district encompassing approximately 200 square miles in southeastern Palm Beach County.

Flood control in South Florida is an integrated system consisting of primary canals operated by SFWMD, secondary canals operated and maintained by the LWDD, and tertiary neighborhood drainage systems owned, operated and maintained by residential associations. LWDD and SFWMD work closely together to provide flood control for our residents. When necessary, LWDD discharges excess stormwater into the regional flood control system or primary system operated by the SFWMD.

logo of lwdd

Executive Director’s Annual Report to Landowners

Executive Director Tommy Strowd, P.E. presented the Annual Report at the Landowners meeting. Director Strowd highlighted the district’s achievements in 2023 and discussed the goals for 2024. Presentation can be found at www.lwdd.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024ReportToLandowners_Strowd_20230110.pdf