| Get to Know the LWDD Board of Supervisors |
An introduction to Supervisor John I. Whitworth, III
First elected in 1990, John I. Whitworth, III, has served for more than 25 years on the Board of Supervisors. He represents
Sub-District 5, which is generally located south of West Atlantic Avenue and north of the Hillsboro Canal, between the Florida Turnpike and Interstate 95.
Supervisor Whitworth's priority is to continue an open dialogue with residential, commercial and governmental stakeholders on the importance of our water resources for the future. He believes through public and private partnerships there are significant opportunities for additional efficiencies in water management and sustainable water supplies.
Mr. Whitworth attended college at Gordon Military College in Barnesville, Georgia and the University of Florida. He currently operates a family-owned agricultural business in Palm Beach County and participates with various civic and social organizations.
The District is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors. Starting with the February newsletter, one Supervisor will be featured each month allowing residents the opportunity to get to know the LWDD Board. Previous issues of the newsletter can be found at
www.lwdd.net/resources/videos-publications.
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| Dead Fish in Ponds, Lakes and Canals |
Most fish kills are the result of natural processes
When a fish kill occurs in a lake, pond or canal, the first assumption is  that something is terribly wrong with the water body. Suspicions are raised as to whether human activity, such as a chemical spill, may have caused the fish to die. However, most often fish kills are the result of natural processes that cause the oxygen dissolved in the water to drop to levels insufficient for fish survival.
A dissolved oxygen, or DO-related fish kill can occur in virtually any aquatic environment, but water bodies located in residential areas are particularly vulnerable. Developed areas create rainfall runoff that may contain high amounts of nutrients from septic tanks and fertilizers. Water bodies with high nutrient levels can produce a dense growth of algae. When sunlight is available, the algae use the nutrients in the water to produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Most of the oxygen available to fish comes from this process. However, nighttime and cloudy or low sunlight days causes the algae to switch from photosynthesis to respiration, which results in the algae consuming the oxygen needed by the fish population.
Clean-up of fish kills occurring in private residential ponds and lakes is generally the responsibility of the property owner or homeowners association. Fish kills in District canals should be reported by calling 561-498-5363 or emailing
info@lwdd.net.
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District Offers Educational Speakers
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New presentation available regarding the history of LWDD
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| Tommy Strowd, PE, Director of Operations and Maintenance |
The District offers educational speakers on various water management topics. Recently, the District produced a 20-minute presentation on its 100-year history in Palm Beach County. This historical presentation guides the audience from 1915 to current times, and highlights significant events, the growth of the District and future activities. There is no fee for a speaker to attend your community or civic meeting. To schedule a speaker for your next event, please send your request to info@lwdd.net.
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Help Prevent Stormwater Pollution
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Dispose of household chemicals safely
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| Nothing Down This Drain But Rain |
When hazardous chemicals are disposed of improperly, such as dumping them into swales or down catch basins, they can pollute the water as well as cause harm to wildlife, plant life and food supplies.
The catch basins located in communities and roadways are part of the stormwater management system. Stormwater travels over streets and yards, through pipes and culverts, and into canals. This water seeps into the underground aquifer and wellfields that are used to supply drinking water.
Any product, chemical or material, that can cause injury to people or harm the environment when disposed of is considered hazardous.
Residents are reminded to never pour hazardous chemicals on lawns, in canals or down catch basins, but to dispose of hazardous waste properly.
The Solid Waste Authority's Home Chemical and Recycling Centers accept pesticides, cleaning products, solvents, pool chemicals, paint, used oil, propane cylinders and other items. For a more comprehensive list of materials and drop-off locations visit
www.swa.org/171/Home-Chemical-Disposal.
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Water Manager's Lingo
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Aquifer: An underground bed or layer of earth, gravel or porous stone that holds water.
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| LWDD Centennial Moment Video Series |
| April 5 Board of Supervisors Workshop |
| April 13 Board of Supervisors Meeting |
"Snowbirds" Return
Credit:
Gael Silverblatt
A local birder photographed a piping plover with leg bands at Snook Islands Natural Area in mid-November, marking the second year in a row this individual of the threatened shorebird species was seen at the site in the lagoon. Based on the unique leg band pattern, the Great Lakes Piping Plover Band Reporting Program also confirmed this bird hatched in 2012 at Tawas State Park in Michigan and returned to breed at Au Sable, Michigan in 2014.
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| What is the importance of the swale or ditch in my front yard? Click here for the answer! |
| Did You Enjoy this Issue? |
If you have any suggestions or comments on this issue, or have questions or topics you would like to see us cover in future issues, please email us
info@lwdd.net.
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