Expect Lower Water Levels In Ponds
It may surprise some residents within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) boundary to learn that the waterbody that is often referred to as the community lake is in fact a stormwater management pond. 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 until the designed water elevation in the pond is achieved.
Although stormwater ponds can be an attractive feature for the community, this may not be the case during Florida’s dry season that runs from approximately October to May. During the dry season 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.
However, during the dry season when water levels are lower, it is the ideal time of year for communities to conduct inspections of their drainage infrastructure and make any necessary repairs. To ensure you have a well-maintained drainage system, communities should:
- Keep swale areas free of debris & vegetation and mow regularly.
- Clear trash and debris from street drains.
- Inspect discharge points/outfalls into LWDD canals.
- Have underground drainage pipes inspected every three to five years.
- Exercise operable discharge control structures by opening and closing them a few times.
- Visually inspect fixed discharge control structures for structural integrity and potential blockages.
More information on community drainage maintenance can be found on LWDD’s website at (Link: www.lwdd.net ).
