Geotubes® or geotextile tubes are used in Florida to help protect lake shores from erosion. Geotubes are sediment-filled sleeves of geotextile fabric, which function similarly to the giant sandbags that are used to prepare low lying areas for flooding. However, they are installed at the shoreline of lakes, anchored to the ground and typically covered with landscaping above the normal water line.
Lake banks in Florida homeowner associations are subject to erosion that can create a dangerous situation for owners. Projects to restore lake banks can run from tens of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars, depending on the length of the shoreline being repaired and the amount of erosion that has already occurred. If you live in an HOA with a lot of lakes, you should become familiar with this issue and the use of geotubes as a possible solution.
This is an ongoing series where we will explain the meaning of an unusual or interesting word; words or phrase that is relevant in community association management. Hence the name – What is that Word Wednesdays!