LWDD Reflections - January 2016

January 2016

HOA President Warns Others of Financial Pitfall

Plan ahead for aging drainage infrastructure

Author: Bob Foster, President of Citrus Glen

Citrus Glen original control structure

In August 2012, during the middle of Tropical Storm Isaac, I found myself watching the floodwater rise in my community. With the authorization of the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD), I opened Citrus Glen's discharge control structure. This was a challenge as the lake had risen above the dock and weir mechanism.

Several hours later, when the flooding did not recede, I inspected the end of the pipe that discharged into the canal and realized the pipe was bent and restricting the flow of water. After discussing the pipe with LWDD, they agreed to help repair the pipe but they felt it was not the sole cause of the community's flooding. District personnel asked how long it had been since the community had its drainage infrastructure cleaned and inspected. It was at this point that I learned Citrus Glen's pipes, inlets, lakes, and swales, belonged to the community and I had a lot more to learn about the community's role in flood control.

Over the course of the following year, I was fortunate to locate the original underground pipe design. Citrus Glen had just over one mile of underground pipes, but no one knew what condition they were in. The community hired a contractor to inspect and clean the drainage system for the first time in 25 years. A video inspection illustrated areas where tree roots had infiltrated the pipes. If these pipes failed, potential catastrophic damage could occur!

For a second opinion, the community hired an engineer to review the video. He determined that approximately 50% of the pipes needed immediate attention. Our solution was to install CIPP sleeves (CIPP - Cured in Place Piping). This was the least expensive and most favorable option since the CIPP product could be installed without having to trench around homes or dig-up sidewalks and roads in order to replace the failing pipes.

Citrus Glen new control structure

T he work was completed in 2015 at a cost of $905,000. This was an expense our Board had not planned for, but Citrus Glen now has a drainage system that is projected to last 50 plus years. In addition to repairs to the pipes, we raised the structure two feet and installed a new aluminum dock with handrails for safer access.

I share this story because aging drainage infrastructure is a problem that many communities are unaware of nor are they planning for such repairs in their budgets. I encourage communities to learn about their drainage system and begin reserving funds for this critical infrastructure. It is not a matter of "if" but "when" you will have to upgrade.

For questions, contact:

Bob Foster, Citrus Glen Board President

[email protected]

Be Sure Your Community Is Included

Be part of the emergency directory

Homeowners Association Boards must designate the authorized individuals who will operate the community's internal drainage control structure in response to severe weather events. Contact information for these designated individuals should be updated annually to verify authorizations and ensure delivery of operational instructions. Reporting this information is easy using the new on-line form. Simply complete the form on the District's website and click submit. For more information on community flood protection responsibilities and to access the new on-line form, click here .

The Importance of Pruning Community Trees

Proper pruning promotes healthy trees and flood protection

Tree care is important not just for the aesthetics in a community, but it is an important part of the community's flood protection. Pruning vegetation helps to reduce debris that can clog swale areas or inlets and reduces the likelihood of unhealthy trees or branches falling into drainage canals creating potential blockages.

Just as proper pruning promotes healthy tree growth, improper pruning may weaken trees and destroy branch structures. Zimmerman Tree Service in West Palm Beach recommends hiring a provider that is knowledgeable in the American National Standards Institute's A300 Standards for Tree Care. Following guidelines from professional arborists will not only improve the overall health and appearance of trees but will also help prepare trees for storm and wind events.

Annual Landowners' Meeting

District updates landowners on 2015 activities

The Annual Landowners' Meeting was held on January 6th at District headquarters. James M. Alderman (Subdistrict 1), Stephen Bedner (Subdistrict 2) and Harry Raucher (Subdistrict 4) were re-elected to serve on the Board of Supervisors. A report to landowners was presented by Robert M. Brown, Executive Director. The report provided an overview of the District's annual activities and accomplishments. A complete copy of the presentation can be found on the District's website, click here.

Ongoing projects for 2016 include refurbishment of several major water control structures, continuation of the canal rehabilitation program and implementation of a telemetry/SCADA system which will provide real-time water level data and allow for the remote operation of the District's control structures.