While sitting on your back porch on a hot summer day sipping a cold glass of sweet tea…don’t be surprised if you see a gator sunning himself on the bank of your community’s pond.
Living next to a canal or stormwater pond has a hazard some residents may not be aware of. Drainage canals and ponds are abundant with wildlife even in urbanized areas. Residents may encounter various species living in and around these water bodies. Most of the animals are harmless. Some can become a nuisance to residents like Muscovy ducks, raccoons and iguanas. However, some animals are dangerous and even life-threatening like alligators.
The Alligator is a particularly dangerous animal in a residential area. An estimated 1.3 million alligators inhabit all 67 counties in Florida and can be found anywhere there is standing water. While alligators and people usually coexist peacefully, there have been recorded attacks and occasional fatalities. The key to staying safe is being alert to the possibility of an alligator’s presence.
Be cautious and assume that drainage canals and ponds are home to alligators. Do not swim or wade in areas where alligators are likely to inhabit, especially at dusk or night when they naturally feed. It is important to keep children away from the water’s edge and do not allow family pets to swim or explore waters if you are unsure about the wildlife inhabiting the waterbody. Feeding alligators in Florida is illegal. When people feed alligators, they lose their natural fear of people and associate humans with food.
Generally, an alligator is deemed a nuisance if it is at least 4 feet in length and it poses a threat to people, pets or property. However, there are situations when smaller alligators wind up in places that are not acceptable, such as swimming pools, garages, etc., and must be removed. In these situations, residents can call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – Nuisance Alligator Hotline, at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
Now that you know what to do if you encounter an alligator, sit back, enjoy the water view and sip some sweet tea.
April Is Water Conservation Month!
/in News, Residential, Water ConservationApril is Water Conservation Month! Did you know conserving water year-round is an integral part of managing and protecting South Florida’s water supplies today and for future generations?
Around 3 billion gallons of water are used every day in Central and Southern Florida by 9 million residents and visitors. Future water demands are projected to increase to approximately 4.1 billion gallons per day by 2040. One of the most effective ways to address increasing water needs is through water conservation.
During Water Conservation Month, the Lake Worth Drainage District joins with local governments to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and the ways we can reduce our water use all year long.
With approximately 50 percent of residential water used for irrigation, it is important to irrigate efficiently. Homeowners can use these simple tips to reduce wasted landscape water:
All of us have a role in protecting our water resources. Together we can ensure a more sustainable water supply for the benefit of all South Floridians.
Sweet Tea and Alligators
/in News, ResidentialWhile sitting on your back porch on a hot summer day sipping a cold glass of sweet tea…don’t be surprised if you see a gator sunning himself on the bank of your community’s pond.
Living next to a canal or stormwater pond has a hazard some residents may not be aware of. Drainage canals and ponds are abundant with wildlife even in urbanized areas. Residents may encounter various species living in and around these water bodies. Most of the animals are harmless. Some can become a nuisance to residents like Muscovy ducks, raccoons and iguanas. However, some animals are dangerous and even life-threatening like alligators.
The Alligator is a particularly dangerous animal in a residential area. An estimated 1.3 million alligators inhabit all 67 counties in Florida and can be found anywhere there is standing water. While alligators and people usually coexist peacefully, there have been recorded attacks and occasional fatalities. The key to staying safe is being alert to the possibility of an alligator’s presence.
Be cautious and assume that drainage canals and ponds are home to alligators. Do not swim or wade in areas where alligators are likely to inhabit, especially at dusk or night when they naturally feed. It is important to keep children away from the water’s edge and do not allow family pets to swim or explore waters if you are unsure about the wildlife inhabiting the waterbody. Feeding alligators in Florida is illegal. When people feed alligators, they lose their natural fear of people and associate humans with food.
Generally, an alligator is deemed a nuisance if it is at least 4 feet in length and it poses a threat to people, pets or property. However, there are situations when smaller alligators wind up in places that are not acceptable, such as swimming pools, garages, etc., and must be removed. In these situations, residents can call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – Nuisance Alligator Hotline, at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
Now that you know what to do if you encounter an alligator, sit back, enjoy the water view and sip some sweet tea.
Back To Basics
/in NewsYour Question Answered
/in NewsQ: I live on an LWDD canal, can I purchase additional footage behind my home?
A: LWDD canal rights-of-way are typically not for sale. Minimum right-of-way boundaries must be maintained to provide sufficient access for routine and emergency maintenance of canals and flood control infrastructure.
Chapter 4, Section 4.5, Lake Worth Drainage District Right-of-Way Operating Policies, states LWDD wishes to retain its current ownership, or other right-of-way interest(s), unless releasing this interest(s) would benefit LWDD in terms of liability, ease of maintenance, or other such benefit.
That said, where eligible right-of-way interest(s), either fee simple ownership or easement, has been requested to be purchased by an adjacent property owner and determined by LWDD to exceed LWDD’s minimum requirements for canal maintenance and operations, right-of-way may be purchased only if approved by the LWDD Board of Supervisors. On a case-by-case basis, LWDD Board will consider selling LWDD right-of-way determined to be in excess of LWDD right-of-way requirements for the specific canal.
In summary, LWDD may consider selling additional right-of-way interest, either fee simple ownership or easement, behind a property if it exceeds the LWDD’s minimum requirements for canal maintenance and operations and if the sale would benefit both parties. The decision would be made on a case-by-case basis by the LWDD Board of Supervisors.
New to the area and concerned about a water shortage?
/in NewsWelcome to the Sunshine State! You join more than 1,000 people moving to Florida each day so it’s crucial to recognize the importance of water conservation. Water is a limited resource in Florida, and every individual plays a role in its protection. Whether you’re a homeowner or part of a community, the decisions you make regarding landscaping choices, lawn watering practices, and overall water usage can have a significant impact.
Despite South Florida receiving approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually, our unpredictable weather patterns can lead to rapid shifts from saturation to drought conditions. Water conservation efforts are essential to ensure a consistent and reliable water supply throughout the year.
The increasing population in Florida inevitably leads to rising demands. Currently, the average person in Florida uses approximately 128 gallons of water per day. With more people moving to the area, this demand is expected to continue growing. Projections indicate that by 2040, Florida will require approximately 4.1 billion gallons of water per day to meet the needs of its residents and stakeholders.
Managing this growing demand for water presents significant challenges, especially considering the state’s limited freshwater resources and the need to balance environmental conservation with human needs. To address this issue effectively, sustainable water management practices, including conservation measures and efficient use of existing water sources, will be crucial in ensuring a reliable water supply for Florida’s future.
By adopting smart water conservation practices at home, you can contribute to the overall effort to conserve water resources. Here are some ways you can make a difference:
Remember, you can play a proactive role in conserving water and protecting Florida’s precious water resources for future generations!