2025 District Engineer’s Annual Report

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New Year Drainage Checkup!

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New Year Drainage Checkup!

The New Year brings hope, optimism, and new opportunities. It’s the perfect time to ensure that all systems, including your drainage infrastructure, are functioning efficiently. In South Florida, the dry season—running from mid-October to May—is the ideal period for residential communities to inspect their drainage systems and make any necessary repairs. Addressing these issues now will better prepare the community for the upcoming wet season.

A solid understanding of this infrastructure can lead to significant savings in time and money while reducing the risk of potential problems. Below is a brief questionnaire and checklist designed to encourage a proactive approach and help you maintain preparedness throughout the year.

Are you familiar with the community’s drainage infrastructure?

  • Understand the community’s responsibility regarding flood control
  • Review the stormwater and drainage permits provided by SFWMD/LWDD
  • Locate discharge control structures, lakes, pipe connections, outfalls, inlets, and swales
  • Understand the type of discharge control structure (fixed, flashboard, or operable),
  • Learn the designed normal and high-water elevation of the stormwater pond and structure

Has the community board of directors identified the individuals responsible for maintaining and operating the community’s drainage infrastructure?

  • Create a Community Drainage Committee
  • Annually provide contact names, phone numbers, and e-mails via the online form at https://www.lwdd.net/storm-response
  • Ensure individuals are physically able and are available year-round
  • Provide access to equipment such as a crowbar, bolt cutter, and raingear

Does the community conduct regular inspections of its drainage infrastructure?

  • Ensure swales, outfalls, pipes, and inlets are free of debris and water can flow freely
  • Exercise (open and closed) the Emergency Operable Discharge Control Structures before storm season, if applicable
  • Have the drainage system inspected at least every 5 years by a Florida-licensed stormwater engineer
  • Report any identified issues with the drainage connection in the LWDD Right-of-Way to the LWDD Field Representative
  • Exercise (open and closed) the Emergency Operable Discharge Control Structures before storm season, if applicable

Do you educate the community on its neighborhood plan of action?

  • Review educational resources found at https://www.lwdd.net/storm-response
  • Inform residents on flood control responsibilities and the neighborhood plan of action
  • Sign up for email notifications at https://www.lwdd.net/storm-response
  • Circulate flood control information to the community via newsletter, e-mail, or bulletin board

Has the community created an emergency response plan?

  • Identify how the community will respond during a severe storm
  • Locate plans identifying the location and type of drainage infrastructure
  • Store the emergency response plan in an easily accessible location
  • Incorporate the plan into community documents to be passed on to new board members
  • Obtain authorization from LWDD before opening a control structure

Do you know how to contact LWDD for authorizations, updates, and emergency reporting?

  • Know the LWDD Office Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Share the main phone number and email EOC@lwdd.net 561-498-5363 with individuals responsible for maintaining and operating the community’s drainage infrastructure
  • Watch for Weather Alerts and Instructions posted on LWDD at https://www.lwdd.net/storm-response

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at Info@lwdd.net.

LWDD Helps Save Water

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LWDD Helps Save Water

Florida benefits from an average annual rainfall exceeding fifty inches, with most of this precipitation occurring during the six-month rainy season spanning from May to mid-October. While some of the runoff generated from these rains is directed towards the ocean to prevent flooding, a considerable volume permeates the ground, replenishing the freshwater aquifers that serve as a source for our drinking water, lakes, and wetlands.

An extensive regional water management system is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of large populations in South Florida. This system must effectively balance the water supply demands of urban areas and agricultural activities while simultaneously fulfilling the obligations of flood protection.

Groundwater levels tend to decline gradually during drought due to reduced rainfall and elevated evaporation rates. In such instances, regional water managers seek additional water sources, such as the Water Conservation Areas in the Everglades or Lake Okeechobee. Water from these vital reserves is introduced into the canal network to elevate water levels. This process fosters water infiltration through sandy soils, facilitating groundwater recharge and restoring the groundwater table to its standard elevation, safeguarding drinking water supplies.

Inadequate drainage could compromise public health and safety and lead to flooding and significant property damage. Conversely, improper maintenance of regional groundwater levels could impede the functionality of wellfields, preventing them from supplying water to residential and commercial entities. In severe scenarios, the inland migration of saltwater from the ocean could irreversibly contaminate the drinking water supply, rendering it unsafe for consumption.

The Lake Worth Drainage District’s (LWDD) water conservation initiatives play an integral role in addressing the water supply challenges our region faces. The extensive network of LWDD canals is pivotal in regulating groundwater levels and supporting the hydrological levels of lakes, ponds, and wetlands throughout the area.

The LWDD’s commitment to managing drainage canals at optimal elevations, reconciling water supply requirements, and minimizing ocean discharges whenever feasible is essential to a comprehensive approach to water conservation in South Florida.

The Season for Saving Water

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The Season for Saving Water

During the holidays, water plays a role in everything from food preparation to the cleanup process. With all the cooking, cleaning, travel, and festive preparations, water usage can skyrocket. Here’s how to incorporate water conservation into your holidays while still enjoying the spirit of the season:

  • Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of running hot water over them.
  • Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or pan filled with water instead of under running water. This water can then be reused to water houseplants. A running faucet can use up to 4 gallons per minute.
  • When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water and fill the rinsing sink one-third to one-half full. Avoid letting the water run continuously in the rinsing sink.
  • If you have a dishwasher, use it instead of hand washing. Dishwashers typically use less water than hand washing, especially if you’re using older plumbing fixtures.
  • Select the proper size pans for cooking. Large pans require more cooking water than may be necessary.
  • Scrape food scraps into the garbage can or a composting bin, rather than rinsing them into the sink’s garbage disposal. A garbage disposal uses up to 4.5 gallons of water per minute.
  • Run your dishwasher only when you have a full load. Dishwashers use between 7 and 12 gallons per load.
  • If you’re hosting your family or staying with relatives during the holidays, encourage everyone to take shorter showers. If you have kids, consider filling up a bath rather than running the water for individual showers, as it can save water in the long run.
  • Traveling often means extra laundry, from clothes to towels and linens. Be sure to run full loads in the washing machine and set the water level to match the size of the load. Opt for cold water washes when possible, to save on both water and energy.
  • Choose an artificial Christmas tree since they do not require water. They are not a fire hazard and preserve our tree canopies.

Don’t let the busy holiday season keep you from practicing good water conservation habits. Water conservation doesn’t have to take a backseat to the festivities. By implementing simple changes, such as optimizing your cooking, using water-efficient devices, and adjusting your holiday routines, you can enjoy a more sustainable and mindful season. This holiday, let’s give the gift of conservation, helping ensure that water remains a resource we can continue to enjoy for generations to come.