LWDD Canals Moving Water From Significant Nov. Rainfall

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DELRAY BEACH, FL (Nov. 3, 2026) – Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canals are operating at full capacity to move water away from southeastern Palm Beach County communities following significant rainfall.

At this time, all 500 miles of LWDD canals and water control structures are beginning to recover from an extraordinary, non-tropical dry season rainfall event that inundated many communities across South Florida.

This rainfall event, a signature of current super El Niño conditions, dropped nearly 9 inches of rain in a few hours in portions of the LWDD service area, including Boca Raton.

Key Information:

  • Community flood control structures operate via gravity and are always “open,” even if you can’t see water moving. Video: https://youtu.be/DbqWiyNolNA
  • Clear debris from storm drains around your home when it’s safe.
  • Contact your HOA, municipality or whomever manages your internal drainage systems to report any blocked drains. LWDD does not clear private drains.
  • Ensure your community has an Authorized Flood Control Contact on file at the LWDD so the agency can provide important information when necessary. This should be the person or persons authorized to manage your community’s drainage system. This can be done online: www.lwdd.net/authorization-contacts.
  • Email or call the LWDD Emergency Operations Center if you see any issues with LWDD canals or structures: eoc@lwdd.net or (561) 498-5363. Emails and calls are immediately transmitted to staff and will be returned as soon as reasonably possible.

For communities that have Emergency Operable Structures, no authorization has been given at this time to open any structures. These structures are only operated in extremely rare and severe circumstances surrounding a hurricane or tropical storm, in accordance with state water quality laws.

Emergency Operable Structures were not designed to provide relief during a storm event, and unauthorized opening can cause significant flooding and water quality violations.

Along with an automated water control system, LWDD crews remain in the field ensuring the system continues to operate efficiently while monitoring fluctuating rain and water levels.

While LWDD lowered its canal levels in advance of this rainfall, the extra capacity was quickly filled by the rainfall volume.

With this amount of rain, water will flood streets, which become additional storage areas for the excess rainfall. Neighborhood drainage systems are designed this way to help prevent water from entering homes.

Water will drain gradually on its own, however, the duration of flooding will depend on future rainfall.

Communities are responsible for inspecting, repairing and ensuring their private, internal drainage systems are clear of debris and functioning properly.

This critical work helps ensure communities can drain to the LWDD system.

Please remember to avoid driving on a flooded road. LWDD is not an emergency response organization. For any life safety issues, please call 911.

Email info@lwdd.net with further questions you may have.