Community flood control maintenance in South Florida is a shared responsibility and is achieved through an interconnected, three-tiered drainage system. Neighborhood drainage systems, or tertiary systems, are operated by property owners or residential associations. Secondary flood control canals are operated by the Lake Worth Drainage District or other municipalities and primary flood control is provided by the South Florida Water Management District.
An important flood control action involves residential associations performing year-round maintenance on their drainage system, ensuring that internal control structures, swales, drains and outfall pipes have an unobstructed flow. In addition, property landscape maintenance and removal of any encroachments on canal rights-of-way is imperative to avoid potential blockages in canals and to provide a clear path for large equipment should emergency access be required.
Getting to Know Your Drainage System is a video that will assist property managers and community drainage committee members to learn how to inspect and maintain their drainage system. Click here to watch the video.