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Annual Registration For Communities
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Keep your emergency contact information up to date
 This is the time of year when many community boards hold elections and property management companies change. It is important to register these changes with the District. Updated contact information for the individuals designated to act on behalf of the community regarding its drainage system and discharge control structure operations is an important part of flood control.
Residential communities are designed to retain water in swales and onsite detention ponds or lakes. When lakes reach their designed control elevation, water is discharged through a fixed or operable control structure into the adjacent canal. Only with prior authorization from the District can a community open its operable structures prior to a rain event.
Additionally, registration ensures that the correct individuals are receiving important weather alerts and flood control instructions. Click here to access our on-line registration form and keep your emergency contacts up to date.
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Additive in herbicide may have a lingering odor
 The District periodically receives
calls from residents regarding an odor detected after the application of herbicides used in the treatment of aquatic vegetation in our canals. Although this concern by
residents is understandable, it is important to know
that the odor is an expected occurrence and not due to improper application. The odor is related to the oil emulsion that is mixed with the herbicide. Emulsion herbicides are a thicker consistency, allowing the herbicide to adhere to the unwanted vegetation so that it stays in place long enough to be effective. The odor usually dissipates within a few days.
Regular treatment and removal of aquatic vegetation is necessary to maintain the canal system and facilitate effective drainage and flood control for the communities in our service area. The District strictly adheres to the environmental rules and regulations established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the application of various herbicides used in our vegetation management program. Employees responsible for the treatment and management of aquatic vegetation are trained and certified annually.
For more information about our aquatic vegetation control program, visit
www.lwdd.net/canal-maintenance/aquatic-vegetation-management.
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| Water-Smart Residential Irrigation |
With thoughtful planning, landscapes can be both beautiful and save water
 According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 29 billion gallons of water is used daily by households in the United States. Of that amount, 30 percent is devoted to outdoor water use, mostly for irrigation. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that stunning gardens and beautiful lawns are only possible through extensive watering. However, eye-catching gardens and landscapes that save water can be achieved by employing water-smart landscaping techniques.
Once established, native and drought tolerant plants require little water beyond normal rainfall. When designing a new landscape or sprucing up your current yard, be sure to consider the water needs of the plants you choose. Grouping vegetation with similar watering needs into specific "hydrozones" reduces water use by allowing you to water each zone's specific needs. Turf areas and shrub areas should always be separated into different hydrozones because of their differing water needs.
If you have an irrigation system, make regular adjustments to ensure proper watering. Incorporate mulch around shrubs and garden plants to help reduce evaporation, inhibit weed growth, moderate soil temperature, and prevent erosion. Adding organic matter and aerating soil can improve its ability to hold water.
Healthy soils are the basis for a water-smart landscape; they effectively cycle nutrients, minimize runoff, retain water, and absorb excess nutrients, sediments, and pollutants.
Be selective when adding turf areas. Turf grass receives the highest percentage of irrigation water in traditional landscaping. To improve the aesthetics of your landscape and better manage outdoor water use, plant turf grass only where it has a practical function.
Many extension services provide free publications and advice on home landscaping, tips on plant selection and soil improvement. Some also offer a soil analysis service for a nominal fee. A directory of Cooperative Extension Offices can be found on the USDA's website
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Who we are and what we do
 The District manages the water resources for much of southeastern Palm Beach County, providing comprehensive flood control, water conservation and water supply protection for more than 700,000 residents and 10,000 acres of agricultural land. Our employees monitor and control a complex system of approximately 500 miles of canals, 1,000 miles of associated rights-of-way and 20 major water control structures. The annual operating budget is approximately $15 million. Some of the services provided by the District are:
- Stormwater management and operation of the regional flood control system
- Permitting of structures discharging stormwater into District canals
- Maintenance of canals and rights-of-way
- Aquatic vegetation control
- Participation in community outreach and educational programs
The District encompasses approximately 200 square miles in southeastern Palm Beach County. We are bordered on the west by the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, on the east by Interstate 95, on the north by Okeechobee Boulevard and on the south by the Hillsboro canal. Within our boundaries are all or portions of 13 municipalities:
[Click on map to zoom]
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H2O Fun Fact
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On average, Antarctica receives only 6.5 inches of rain or snow per year, making it the continent with the lowest annual rainfall. On the other end of the spectrum, Lloro, Colombia receives approximately 534 inches of rainfall per year.
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| April 4 Board of Supervisors Workshop |
| April 12 Board of Supervisors Meeting |
| April 14 District Office Closed |
 District aquatic management professionals in action.
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How does drought affect the water level in wells?
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| Did You Enjoy this Issue? |
If you have any suggestions or comments on this issue, or have questions or topics you would like us to cover in future issues, please email us
[email protected].
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