Executive Director Tommy Strowd, PE, presented his annual report at the Landowners’ meeting on Jan 5th. Mr. Strowd reported on LWDD’s accomplishments and operations during 2021 and future goals for the new year. If you were unable to attend the meeting you can watch a recorded version at the link below.
Stormwater management systems within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) area are required to provide both flood control and water quality mediation. There are two general types of stormwater systems that perform these functions – retention and detention. Both systems depend on proper grading of the land to successfully keep homes from flooding and ensure water quality. The relationship between land and stormwater management is inseparable.
A retention stormwater system is designed so the grading or slope of the land helps to collect water in low lying areas. This helps to prevent flooding in undesirable areas and allows the water to slowly seep into the shallow groundwater aquifer. As the stormwater seeps into the ground, the grasses, sand, soils and rocks help filter out contaminants thus providing water quality treatment. The retention stormwater system can be man-made or a naturally occurring depression. There is no discharge to another water body such as a pond, lake or canal. This type of drainage system is often found in rural areas or large undeveloped areas.
A detention stormwater system is used by most modern-day residential communities. The design directs and contains stormwater onsite in a pond. It is designed to allow pollutants in the water to settle to the bottom of the pond leaving cleaner water on top. Again, the grading of the landscape is vital to the success of the system as the water must flow toward and into the detention system. The detention system consists of pipes and catch basins to collect and direct the stormwater. Water moves away from homes via an overland drainage flow. Front, side, and back yards typically utilize overland drainage. Stormwater flows through the front or back yards and may cross four to five lots until it reaches a catch basin. The catch basin is connected to underground pipes that discharge the water to the community pond for storage and cleaning.
After a rainstorm, the water in the pond will rise and if the elevation is high enough, the cleaner water at the top will drain from the pond through an outflow structure and eventually into a LWDD canal. The overland flow of stormwater over a LWDD canal bank and into the channel is not allowed. The untreated stormwater can impact water quality and dangerous washouts in the bank can occur.
The LWDD designs its canal banks and rights-of-way to prevent stormwater runoff from directly entering the canal system. A typical LWDD canal right-of-way is graded so the canal berm is higher than the surrounding land and stormwater will flow away from the canal. Due to the regular maintenance activities of the LWDD like mowing, as well as the natural settling of the soils, regrading of the right-of-way is one of the important flood control operations performed by the LWDD.
Over time, property owners may also have to regrade their front, side and back yards to match their original drainage design. Settling of the soi
ls or enhancements such as landscaping materials or installation of fences may impede the overland drainage flow. This disruption can cause soggy areas in yards and standing water during heavy rain events. In severe cases, patios, garages and homes can be adversely affected. Property owners should be aware that it is their responsibility to ensure the overland drainage flow is maintained to the design condition.
Development activities that effect how much rain can soak into the ground, how much water leaves a property, and where it will go are regulated by the South Florida Water Management District. Community drainage system permits and plans may be obtained through this agency at www.sfwmd.gov. Additionally, permits for the crossing and use of the LWDD canal right-of-way for the installation of drainage infrastructure such as culverts and outlets can be obtained by visiting LWDD’s online permit system at www.lwdd.net/right-of-way/permitting.
Throughout the year, the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) oversees the operation and maintenance of approximately 500 miles of canals and 1,000 miles of canal rights-of-way. In addition, LWDD operates 20 major water control structures which release or hold back water depending on conditions. However, effective flood control takes more than just LWDD. Property owners and residential communities all have a role to play in the overall flood control system.
In South Florida, flood control is a shared responsibility and is achieved through an interconnected, three-tiered drainage system. This three-tiered system is made up of tertiary or neighborhood drainage systems operated by property owners or residential associations; secondary drainage systems which are operated by LWDD, county or municipalities, and the primary system operated by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).
The role of property owners and residential associations is like that of LWDD in that they retain stormwater onsite in retention ponds/lakes for water quality purposes and discharge excess stormwater for flood control. They must maintain their drainage infrastructure to ensure that catch basins, underground pipes and discharge control structures are working as designed.
South Florida’s dry season runs from approximately October to May. January is the ideal time of year to conduct inspections of drainage infrastructure and make any necessary repairs. Additionally, the start of a new year is when many residential boards hold elections and change property management companies. It is important to register these changes with LWDD to ensure the correct individuals are receiving important weather alerts and flood control instructions. Taking time during the dry season will help ensure that your property is ready for the coming rainy season. For more information on flood control or to submit contact information, visit LWDD’s website at www.lwdd.net/property-managers-hoa.
Maintenance of the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canal system is a large portion of our operating budget. Whether adjacent to a canal or miles inland, residents can help LWDD cut costs with a few simple steps.
Residents can limit the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides (weed killer) on landscapes. Remember, what and how much you place on your lawn will eventually make its way to the canal system. Excessive nutrients in the water leads to additional vegetative growth and water quality issues thus requiring the use of aquatic control chemicals and LWDD personnel time for its application.
Fences, vegetation, and other encroachment violations within the LWDD right-of-way disrupts the daily operations of our crews and may slow emergency response time that is critical to public safety. When violators do not remove or relocate these installations it requires LWDD manpower and equipment mobilization to remove them. Additionally, legal costs may be incurred to protect the public’s property rights from private users.
The LWDD does not provide free trash disposal. Dumping trash including yard waste in the canal or on the right-of-way is illegal. If the dumper cannot be identified, LWDD must redirect personnel away from their daily duties for removal of the debris. Cleaning up after those who dump on the canal right-of-way can be costly both in money and time.
Four wheelers, ATVs and other motorized vehicles are not permitted to drive on the LWDD right-of-way. This type of aggressive land use leads to washouts and other damages requiring time-consuming and costly repairs.
Helping the LWDD to save costs only requires residents to simply avoid the actions mentioned. For more information about the LWDD’s maintenance programs, visit our website lwdd.net.
