During heavy rainfall, the soil around the septic tank and in the drain field can become saturated. The effluent may not be able to properly drain through the soil. By taking special care with your septic system after flooding, you can contribute to the health of your household, community and environment. For more information, download the University of Florida’s tips sheet – CLICK HERE.
Residential communities play an important role in providing flood control for their residents. Since the mid-1970s, development standards for drainage systems have been regulated through design and permitting to ensure flood protection. Learn more about your flood control role by downloading the guidelines on maintaining and operating a community drainage system – CLICK HERE.
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. Although stormwater management ponds are often mistaken for lakes, they are very different. Lakes are naturally formed waterbodies whereas stormwater ponds are man-made and have a distinctive and important role in managing surface water quality and quantity.
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. Through a combination of landscape and structural features, stormwater management ponds allow sediment and contaminants to settle out of runoff water before it is released into drainage canals. Stormwater ponds also hold excess water during large storms thus protecting neighborhoods from flooding. Additionally, stormwater ponds are constructed to be an attractive feature for the community.
The goal of a stormwater pond is to mimic a natural lake, but this requires active maintenance by the community. Being a good steward of your pond means learning how to keep the pond healthy, functional and attractive. Residents can follow these general housekeeping rules for stormwater pond maintenance:
Many commercial pond management companies can evaluate your community’s stormwater pond and offer suggestions for improvements. For more information about community flood control and stormwater pollution, visit LWDD’s website. (Link: www.lwdd.net)
Have a question, complaint or suggestion? Or maybe you need some advice about your community drainage system? Give our staff a call. You will always get our undivided attention and quick response. Reach us at 561-498-5363, email info@lwdd.net or stop by our office in Delray Beach. We always enjoy hearing from our residents.
