The simple truth is flood control does not equal flood proof living. These seven facts will help you become an informed partner with the District in providing quality flood control.
Fast Fact 1: The community or neighborhood drainage system is always operating. Stormwater continually discharges from community systems until the designed water elevation is achieved.
Fast Fact 2: The community may not open its discharge control structure without authorization from the District. Doing so may put the community in jeopardy as canal water may back-flow into lake systems causing water levels to rise further.
Fast Fact 3: Authorization to open a discharge control structure is only issued under emergency conditions and when District canals are able to accept the additional increase of stormwater.
Fast Fact 4: Severe flooding most often occurs in older communities without modern stormwater systems, neighborhoods with poor maintenance practices and when rainfall exceeds the drainage system design.
Fast Fact 5: Community and neighborhood drainage systems discharge into District canals which discharge excess stormwater into the South Florida Water Management District system. Each entity must capture and hold stormwater as well as coordinate discharges at appropriate times and rates.
Fast Fact 6: Rainfall volumes within the boundaries of District:
- 5 to 6 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period; expect standing water in yards, swales and ditches but the crowns of community road should remain dry and passable.
- 7 to 9 inches of rainfall in a 72-hour period; expect community swales, roads, lawns and driveways to flood as designed but finished floors of homes should remain dry.
- 15 to 23 inches or more of rainfall in a 72-hour period, expect that some houses and businesses may experience finished floor flooding.
Fast Fact 7: Residents can help prevent flooding by ensuring road swales or inlets are not blocked with debris, plastic bags, vegetation, etc. Avoid throwing debris into lakes or canals which can block the flow of water. Never place anything within the District's rights-of-way restricting emergency response and regular canal maintenance operations.
Why are some of the District's rights-of-way referred to as Chancery Case 407? 
