Why Keeping The Canal Rights-of-way Clear Helps You
The mission is to provide flood control and water supply to our residents.
The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) manages over 500 miles of drainage canals and associated rights-of-way.
Many people in Lake Clarke Shores live along an LWDD canal. To enhance their landscapes or properties, residents often plant vegetation or place other encroachments such as swing-sets, fences and patio furniture on the LWDD canal rights-of-way. These enhancements and/or encroachments can topple into the canal during high winds and become obstructions to the proper flow of storm water or interfere with emergency response by LWDD personnel.
Since most of the land in our region is low and flat, proper drainage depends on a sophisticated network of canals to remove excess storm water after major rainfall events, including tropical storms and hurricanes. A well maintained and operating canal system is your best defense against possible flooding.
The health, safety and welfare of you and those around you are paramount. Unauthorized property enhancement can threaten the welfare of residents adjacent to the canal and residents many miles inland.
LWDD canals and rights-of-way vary in width throughout the service area. Some property enhancements may be permissible but depend on the location and size of the canal and if there is adequate right-of-way for maintenance and emergency response.
Specific improvements, such as fences or docks, will be allowed to encroach into the canal right-of-way pursuant to LWDD’s Policies. All allowable improvements must be permitted or licensed by LWDD.
On a case-by-case situation, and as determined by LWDD, limited encroachments including native trees and vegetation may be allowed if these encroachments do not interfere with the maintenance operations or emergency response of LWDD. For more information contact the LWDD office.
