How does stormwater drain from my neighborhood?
When it rains, stormwater should flow from rooftops, driveways, and streets into a retention pond or storm drain. Then, if needed for flood control, flow out through the pond’s discharge control structure into a LWDD canal. Most of the time, this drainage occurs unnoticed by the average individual. However, during a severe storm, flooding in streets, sidewalks, and driveways can occur. This temporary flooding may cause concern, but it is important to note these low-lying areas are designed as secondary detention areas to protect buildings and homes from flooding.
Within LWDD’s boundary, stormwater drainage is a shared responsibility:
- Neighborhood drainage systems operated by property owners or residential associations
- Secondary drainage systems operated by LWDD or local government
- Primary regional system operated by the South Florida Water Management District
Water managers in charge of primary and secondary systems are continuously monitoring the weather and canal levels to proactively respond to changes in canal elevations. In anticipation of a heavy rainfall event, water managers will make operational adjustments to maintain appropriate water elevations for flood control. Throughout the year, routine canal maintenance and inspections of control structures, pumps, and other infrastructure are performed to ensure the overall functionality of the water management system.
Property owners and residential associations have a similar role regarding their neighborhood drainage system. They must maintain their drainage infrastructure to ensure that inlets, storm drains, underground pipes, and emergency discharge control structures are clear of potential blockages and working as designed. Property owners and associations should conduct an annual inspection of the drainage infrastructure, and repairs should be made before the onset of storm season.
Walking to Honor Survivors & Loved Ones
/in News, ResidentialLWDD joined thousands participating in the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk in West Palm Beach. The LWDD team raised almost $1,700 towards the fight to cure breast cancer. We met each other’s family and friends, enjoyed each other’s company, and cheered, honored, and hoped for those affected by this disease.
Is it a lake or is it a pond?
/in News, ResidentialIt may surprise some residents within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) boundary to learn that the waterbody often referred to as a community lake is, in fact, a stormwater management pond. These two water bodies are very different from each other. Lakes are naturally formed waterbodies whereas stormwater ponds are man-made and have a distinct 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.
A stormwater pond should 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. Some general housekeeping rules for stormwater pond maintenance are:
• Keep yard debris and pet waste out of ponds, drainage canals, swales, and storm drains.
• Pesticides and fertilizers need to be used and disposed of properly. They should never be broadcast over streets or sidewalks and only applied at the label rate.
• Properly dispose of all household hazardous materials such as paint, antifreeze, or motor oil. For collection sites visit Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County.
• Never hose chemicals off impermeable surfaces.
• Reduce erosion by planting Florida native plants and grasses in overexposed areas. Find out more at Palm Beach County Florida Native Plant Society.
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 us at www.lwdd.net.
Your Question Answered
/in Flood Control, News, ResidentialQ: What is the difference between the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)? Click here to find the answer.
A: Both the LWDD and the SFWMD provide flood control but differ in size and responsibilities. SFWMD is one of our state’s five regional water management districts and oversees the water resources in the southern half of Florida, covering 16 counties from Orlando to the Florida Keys. LWDD is a local, independent special taxing district encompassing approximately 200 square miles in southeastern Palm Beach County.
Flood control in South Florida is an integrated system consisting of primary canals operated by SFWMD, secondary canals operated and maintained by the LWDD, and tertiary neighborhood drainage systems owned, operated and maintained by residential associations. LWDD and SFWMD work closely together to provide flood control for our residents. When necessary, LWDD discharges excess stormwater into the regional flood control system or primary system operated by the SFWMD.
Executive Director’s Annual Report to Landowners
/in Drought, News, O & M, Residential, Water SupplyExecutive Director Tommy Strowd, P.E. presented the Annual Report at the Landowners meeting. Director Strowd highlighted the district’s achievements in 2023 and discussed the goals for 2024. Presentation can be found at www.lwdd.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024ReportToLandowners_Strowd_20230110.pdf
Your Question Answered
/in Flood Control, News, ResidentialHow does stormwater drain from my neighborhood?
When it rains, stormwater should flow from rooftops, driveways, and streets into a retention pond or storm drain. Then, if needed for flood control, flow out through the pond’s discharge control structure into a LWDD canal. Most of the time, this drainage occurs unnoticed by the average individual. However, during a severe storm, flooding in streets, sidewalks, and driveways can occur. This temporary flooding may cause concern, but it is important to note these low-lying areas are designed as secondary detention areas to protect buildings and homes from flooding.
Within LWDD’s boundary, stormwater drainage is a shared responsibility:
Water managers in charge of primary and secondary systems are continuously monitoring the weather and canal levels to proactively respond to changes in canal elevations. In anticipation of a heavy rainfall event, water managers will make operational adjustments to maintain appropriate water elevations for flood control. Throughout the year, routine canal maintenance and inspections of control structures, pumps, and other infrastructure are performed to ensure the overall functionality of the water management system.
Property owners and residential associations have a similar role regarding their neighborhood drainage system. They must maintain their drainage infrastructure to ensure that inlets, storm drains, underground pipes, and emergency discharge control structures are clear of potential blockages and working as designed. Property owners and associations should conduct an annual inspection of the drainage infrastructure, and repairs should be made before the onset of storm season.