The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canals and rights-of-way are abundant with wildlife even in urbanized areas. Residents may encounter various species living in and around the canal system. Most of the animals are harmless. Some can become a nuisance to residents like Muscovy ducks, raccoons and iguanas. However, some animals are dangerous and even life-threatening like alligators and some types of snakes.
The Alligator is particularly dangerous during May and June when courtship begins and continues with females laying an average of 32 to 46 eggs in late June or early July. An estimated 1.3 million alligators inhabit all 67 counties in Florida and can be found anywhere there is standing water. While alligators and people usually coexist peacefully, there have been recorded attacks and occasional fatalities. The key to staying safe is being alert to the possibility of an alligator’s presence.
Be cautious and assume that drainage canals and ponds are home to alligators. Do not swim or wade in areas where alligators are likely to inhabit, especially at dusk or night when they naturally feed. It is important to keep children away from the water’s edge and do not allow family pets to swim or explore waters if you are unsure about the wildlife inhabiting the waterbody. Feeding alligators in Florida is illegal. When people feed alligators, they lose their natural fear of people and associate humans with food.
Alligators are an important part of Florida’s ecosystem, but should always be regarded with caution. Aggressive alligators can be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program at https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/snap/.
Within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) boundary, some homes and businesses are constructed in areas known as the 1 in 100-year flood plain but have experienced multiple floods in the same year. The assumption that if their area has experienced a 1 in 100-year flood, then for the next 99 years they do not have to worry about flooding is not correct. While it is unlikely that two large storms will happen in close succession, history has demonstrated that it is possible.
Confused by the term 1 in 100-year flood, people begin to wonder what their flood risk really is. The definition of a 1 in 100-year flood is a flood that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. Understanding your flood risk can be a complex process, but the hydrologists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are striving to communicate risk more effectively, in part by transitioning away from the term 1 in 100-year flood and instead referencing multiple year flooding probabilities. For example, the flooding risk of a home in the 1 in 100-year floodplain can be more easily understood as a home with a 26% chance it will flood over the course of a 30-year mortgage. Providing a clearer understanding of the probability of flood risk allows for better protection of people and buildings.
The USGS has published a flyer discussing in detail the probability of flood risk. You can download a copy at https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/106/pdf/100-year-flood-handout-042610.pdf
Stormwater ponds are attractive enhancements to many residential communities and businesses within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) boundary. But more than pretty to look at, these waterbodies serve an important public safety purpose as they are part of the overall flood control system for the neighborhood.
In our area, flood control is a shared responsibility. Achieved through an interconnected 3-tiered system, each of the 3 groups must work together and coordinate efforts for effective flood control. The flood control process begins with the neighborhood’s stormwater pond. When the pond water rises in response to rainfall the excess stormwater will flow through underground pipes to the next link in the flood control chain – the LWDD canals. LWDD canals move excess water to the larger-capacity regional flood control system operated by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) where the excess stormwater can be channeled to storage areas or coastal discharge points.
When the neighborhood pond discharges water to LWDD, it does so through a discharge control structure. Regardless of the design of the control structure, or if the structure is in an open or closed position, excess stormwater will continuously drain from the pond until the proper water elevation is achieved.
The LWDD is unique in that we are the only drainage district authorized by the SFWMD to coordinate the opening of operable control structures with residential communities. This authorization may be given before a weather event to increase capacity in a stormwater pond. Authorization may also be given after a storm to help alleviate street flooding for emergency response vehicles. LWDD works closely with property managers and community boards to manage potential flooding. However, residents should note that after a rain event some standing water in roads, sidewalks, yards and other low-lying areas is normal and required to keep flood water away from homes.
Stormwater ponds can be valuable landscape enhancements. Plantings around the pond can provide natural habitat for wildlife and some ponds are designed with fountains and lighting. But as beautiful as your pond may be, its function is to help protect your home from flooding. You can learn more about stormwater ponds and community flood control at www.lwdd.net/managing-water.
The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) does not treat its canals for mosquitos and other insects. However, there are actions homeowners can take to help keep their backyards from becoming breeding grounds. Remember two words, drain and cover.
Drain
Cover
For more information or to report mosquito activity in your neighborhood visit Palm Beach County Mosquito Control at https://discover.pbcgov.org/erm/pages/mosquito-control.aspx.
