Drought and the Dry Season

/in , , , ,

When it comes to weather in Florida, normally it is dominated by sunny tropical weather, but we have a very diverse climate. One significant aspect of Florida’s weather patterns that demands attention is the dry season, which occurs from October to May. This period can lead to drought conditions, and it’s important to recognize the contributing factors. According to the Florida Climate Center, records show that every decade since the year 1900, there has been at least one severe and widespread drought somewhere in the state of Florida.

Drought conditions in Florida can arise from various factors. An extended dry season often leaves the region drier than normal, directly contributing to drought. Climate patterns like El Niño and, especially, La Niña play a pivotal role in influencing rainfall, leading to even drier conditions.

The Lake Worth Drainage District plays a vital role in managing water resources for about half of Palm Beach County’s population. It is responsible for water supply protection, flood control, and promoting water conservation. By maintaining canal water levels, the Lake Worth Drainage District effectively combats the risk of saltwater intrusion into freshwater wells. However, we must understand that drought conditions hinder these efforts and can lead to significant consequences. As stated by Tommy Strowd, Executive Director of the Lake Worth Drainage District, the impacts can be long-lasting. Local fire departments may struggle to access adequate water for firefighting, high-rise condominiums could experience decreased water pressure, landscaping in golf courses and residential areas could be impacted, community lakes might dry up, and farmers could face substantial challenges in irrigating their crops.

As residents, we must take proactive steps to support water conservation during the dry season. Start by educating yourself, we must spread the word about sustainable water practices. Engage your neighbors and community in discussions about responsible water use. Adhere to the guidelines established by local water management districts and respect the irrigation schedules set by many Florida counties to prevent overuse. There are numerous strategies to conserve water. Visit www.lwdd.net/managing-water/water-supply to discover more about the dry season and effective water conservation techniques.

Drainage systems 3-Tiered system

Three’s Company

/in , ,

 

The Lake Worth Drainage District is committed to ensuring preparedness year-round, primarily focusing on providing effective stormwater and flood protection for nearly half of the residents in southeastern Palm Beach County. This dedication has been exemplified over the past 110 years through continuous service to the community.

The success of these efforts is heavily reliant on a collaborative framework involving multiple stakeholders. Flood control is effectively managed through an interconnected, three-tiered drainage system.

At the local level, neighborhood drainage systems, classified as tertiary systems, are operated and maintained by property owners or residential associations. The Lake Worth Drainage District oversees the secondary flood control canals, while the South Florida Water Management District is responsible for primary flood control. This cooperative arrangement enables all three entities to work in concert to safeguard residents, particularly during significant rainfall events.

Homeowners Associations and Property Management Teams are charged with the management and maintenance of neighborhood drainage systems, which include storm drains, culverts, and retention ponds within their respective communities. These organizations bear a substantial responsibility, as their operational decisions significantly influence the well-being of the residents. Inadequate management may result in prolonged flooding in residential areas, leading to distress in the community.

The Lake Worth Drainage District’s role encompasses the management of stormwater from all communities, facilitating its movement through an extensive system. Currently, the District maintains over 500 miles of canals and more than 1,000 miles of associated rights-of-way. The Lake Worth Drainage District utilizes 20 major water control structures to regulate water levels within its jurisdiction. Through rigorous management practices, the Lake Worth Drainage District ensures it possesses the capacity necessary to address the stormwater needs of all residents in southeastern Palm Beach County.

The operational responsibilities undertaken by the Lake Worth Drainage District are mirrored on a much larger scale by those of the South Florida Water Management District, which administers water management efforts for South and Central Florida. The SFWMD is responsible for managing over 2,175 miles of canals, 2,130 miles of levees and berms, 915 water control structures, 620 project culverts, and 89 pump stations. The South Florida Water Management District maintains all requisite equipment and operates with specialized expertise to ensure that this extensive water management infrastructure is adequately prepared to respond to environmental challenges.

All in all, the task of protecting our residents has a unique structure that allows everyone to play a role in keeping our communities safe. Visit our website, lwdd.net/managing-water, to learn more.

Not Your Trash Bin

/in , ,

The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canal system is not a place for disposing of waste. It is illegal to dump, discard, or dispose of vegetative debris or trash in the LWDD canals or along the rights-of-way. Under Florida’s Litter Law (Florida Statute 403.413) anyone who dumps material on public or private property can face fines and possible jail time. For example, dumping between 15 and 500 pounds of material for non-commercial purposes is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, which can result in fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to one year. The penalties increase with the weight and volume of the dumped material.

Within the LWDD’s service area, illegally dumped materials typically consist of non-hazardous solid waste that people find inconvenient or costly to dispose of properly. Common items include household trash, furniture, appliances, tires, and vegetative debris from lawn care and tree trimming. Offenders often include residents, contractors (in construction and landscaping), waste haulers, and automobile repair shops.

Negative Impacts of Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping can lead to various negative consequences, affecting public safety, the environment, and the local economy. For example, dumping in drainage canals can reduce their ability to control flooding and put nearby residents at risk. Trash discarded along canal rights-of-way can also obstruct access for routine maintenance or emergency response during severe weather events.

While landfills are designed to prevent waste from leaching into the ground or nearby water sources, illegal dumping does not have such protections and can contaminate local water and land. Additionally, illegal dumping creates an eyesore that lowers property values in surrounding areas. Local governments are forced to allocate resources for cleanup and pollution remediation, which places a financial burden on the community.

Reporting Illegal Dumping

If you witness illegal dumping in progress, contact your local law enforcement immediately. Catching offenders in the act is the most effective way to enable police to apprehend them and deter future violations. Never confront someone who is dumping. Instead, take note of the vehicle’s license plate number or a description of the vehicle used.

Please help us raise awareness about the importance of proper trash disposal by sharing this information with your neighbors. For more information on the proper disposal of trash, visit the Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority at www.swa.org. They have information on how to properly discard of all waste.

Your Questions Answered

/in , , ,

 

Q. My community lake is very low, can you fill it up?

A. During the dry season, which runs from approximately October to May, it is expected that ponds will have a lower water elevation which may expose sandy banks and reduce the ability to utilize the pond for lawn irrigation. Since rainfall is the primary way stormwater ponds receive their water supply, and water from the LWDD canal system cannot be used to recharge ponds, these conditions will continue until additional rainfall occurs.

Your Questions Answered

/in , , , ,

Q. I live adjacent to an LWDD canal and want to install a boat dock. Do I need a permit?

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