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Water Management Is 24/7

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South Florida’s tropical weather events can be intense and seriously threaten property and life. In response, the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) monitors canal elevations and makes necessary operational adjustments to its water control structures to provide flood control for the 200 square miles of land within its boundary.

Water control structures act like dams, allowing stormwater to be released or held back depending on weather conditions. The technology used to operate LWDD’s water control structures is called Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). As the water rises in the canal and reaches a pre-determined elevation, SCADA will slowly open control structures releasing water for flood control. Similarly, as water elevations return to normal levels the control structure gates will close, holding back water for conservation and water supply demands.

This response to changes in the canal system happens automatically, 7 days a week, and can be monitored remotely by staff using mobile devices. However, in anticipation of severe weather, staff can override the automated SCADA system and make manual adjustments as needed. The remote monitoring and operating functions of SCADA eliminates the need for LWDD staff to venture out during dangerous weather conditions to operate control structures, as well as significantly reduces response time.

Another advantage to SCADA is the capture of operational data by the system which can be used to evaluate future water supply needs and historical flood control responses. This data can be shared with regional water management partners for enhanced flood control coordination and water conservation measures.

LWDD is proud to provide the residents and businesses within our boundary this 24/7 flood control technology.

Seven Fast Facts About Flood Control

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HOA discharge control structure

How Drainage Works

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Man-made lakes and ponds are attractive enhancements to many residential communities and businesses within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD). More importantly, they serve an important public safety purpose by providing stormwater storage for flood control.

When lake elevations rise due to rainfall, excess stormwater will flow through the community’s discharge control structure and into the LWDD canal. Most of this drainage occurs unnoticed by the average individual. However, during a severe storm, flooding in streets, sidewalks and driveways may occur. This nuisance flooding may cause concern for some residents. However, these low-lying areas are designed as secondary detention areas to protect homes from flooding.

Within LWDD, flood control is a shared responsibility and achieved through an interconnected, three-tiered drainage system. By working together, these three systems provide effective flood control.

This three-tiered system is made up of:

  1. Tertiary, or neighborhood drainage systems operated by property owners or residential associations.
  2. Secondary drainage systems which are operated by LWDD (lwdd.net).
  3. Primary system operated by the South Florida Water Management District (sfwmd.gov).

Water managers in charge of primary and secondary systems are continually 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. Additionally, throughout the year, routine canal maintenance is conducted to provide unobstructed flow in the canal channel and access along the canal rights-of-way.

Property owners and residential associations have a similar role. They must maintain their drainage infrastructure to ensure that inlets, pipes and discharge control structures are free of potential blockages and working as designed, thus maintaining the flow of stormwater away from their property. An annual inspection of drainage infrastructure should be made, and repairs should be completed before the start of storm season on May 1.

The likelihood of flooding depends on several variables such as rainfall volume, duration, ground moisture and local terrain. It is important to note that flood protection does not mean flood proof. No system, no matter how well designed, is 100% flood proof. Even with quality flood control, homes and businesses may experience flooding if rainfall exceeds the drainage design or stormwater flow is blocked by debris. For more information on flood control visit our website at https://www.lwdd.net/property-managers-hoa.

Graphic of a residential septic system

Flooding And Septic Systems

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During floods or heavy rains, the soil around the septic tank and in the drain field becomes saturated, or water-logged, and the effluent from the septic tank cannot properly drain through the soil. Special care needs to be taken with your septic system during and after a flood or heavy rain.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers these guidelines:

  • Relieve pressure on the septic system by using it less or preferably not at all until floodwaters recede and the soil has drained. For your septic system to work properly, water needs to drain freely in the drain field. Under flooded conditions, water cannot drain properly and can back up into your system. Remember that in most homes all water sent down the pipes goes into the septic system. This includes shower drains and washing machines.
  • Avoid digging around the septic tank and drain field while the soil is waterlogged. Don’t drive heavy vehicles or equipment over the drain field. By using heavy equipment or working under water-logged conditions, you can compact the soil in your drain field, and water won’t be able to drain properly.
  • Don’t open or pump out the septic tank if the soil is still saturated. Silt and mud can get into the tank if it is opened and can end up in the drain field, reducing its drainage capability. Pumping under these conditions can cause a tank to pop out of the ground.
  • How can you tell if your system is damaged? Signs include soil settling, wastewater starts backing up into household drains, the soil in the drain field remains soggy and never fully drains, a foul odor persists around the tank and drain field. If you suspect your system has been damaged, have the tank inspected and serviced by a professional.
  • Keep rainwater drainage systems away from the septic drain field. As a preventive measure, make sure that water from roof gutters doesn’t drain into your septic drain field. This adds an additional source of water that the drain field must process.
  • If your household relies on private well water for home consumption and your property has flooded, it is important to have your well water tested for bacteria (total coliform and E. coli) through your county health department or a private certified lab.

By taking special care with your septic system after flooding, you can contribute to the health of your household, community and environment.

Excerpt from University of Florida IFAS, Savanna Barry, Regional Specialized Extension Agent Cedar Key FL, Aug. 2023, https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ncbs/2023/08/30/hurricane-idalia-resources

C. Stanley Weaver Canal sign at bank of canal

Canal Maintenance-What To Expect

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The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) stormwater management system consists of canal channels, rights-of-way on each side of the canal and controls structures and pumps. Consisting of a network of more than 500 miles of canals, over 1,000 miles of rights-of-way and 20 major control structures, LWDD can provide effective flood control and water supply for residents, businesses, and agriculture.

Effective stormwater management is dependent on well-maintained canals and rights-of-way. But what defines “well-maintained”? A canal or right-of-way that some property owners may consider in need of maintenance is often considered well-maintained by LWDD.

Some of the necessary components for effective flood control include the free flow of water in the canal channel to divert excess stormwater from properties, and unencumbered canal rights-of-way to provide access for regular maintenance and emergency response. Through the process of aquatic vegetation removal and canal bank mowing, effective flood control maintenance is achieved.

There are numerous species of aquatic plants found within the District’s canal system. Some aquatic vegetation has the potential to slow the flow of water within the canal channel or large flood control structures. This vegetation growth is controlled with the application of herbicides and/or mechanical removal.

Canal rights-of-way and banks are mowed approximately 3-4 times a year. Flat-mowers mow the rights-of-way, and arm-mowers maintain the side slopes of the canals. This mowing schedule prevents the growth of woody vegetation that may grow to impact access and threaten flood control. Tall grass does not prevent access to canals and control structures or threaten flood control operations. Frequent mowing is not required for flood control and residents should note that grasses and other vegetation can grow several inches in height before mowing crews return to an area.

Although most property lines do not extend to the water’s edge, some property owners adjacent to the right-of-way may choose to maintain the grass to a higher degree through irrigation and more frequent mowing. However, this higher degree of maintenance is at the resident’s cost and the planting of trees and shrubs are not allowed within the LWDD rights-of-way.

Flood control and the maintenance it requires comes at a cost. All property owners within LWDD’s boundary, whether adjacent to a canal or miles away, are assessed at the same tax rate. In 2023 the assessed rate is $49.50 for a parcel equal to or less than an acre in size. By maintaining our canals and rights-of-way to flood control standards, LWDD can achieve its mission of effective flood control at an affordable cost for all residents.