THE RAINY SEASON IS COMING!!!
Heavy rainfall and flat terrain in South Florida cause
flooding problems, especially during the rainy season. Damages
from flooding cause physical and environmental impacts,
and the cost for correcting the damage is always high. Prevention
of stormwater problems through proper maintenance is far
easier and less expensive than correcting them.
FLOOD CONTROL IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Florida’s drainage and flood control is through a
complex network of canals and water control structures that
convey excess water into regional storage areas or out to
the ocean. The path of stormwater begins in the neighborhoods
and commercial plazas and travels to city, county or local
drainage district canals and finally to SFWMD canals or
natural rivers. If any part of this system is not properly
maintained, the possibility for failure and subsequent downstream
damage is very real. The key to effective maintenance is
the assignment of responsibilities to an established organization
such as a local government or homeowner’s association.
The majority of private property owners are responsible
for thier own stormwater management system. Failure to provide
proper maintenance reduces the pollutant removal efficiency
and the systems overall flow capacity.
MAINTENANCE TIPS
Some things you can do to keep your stormwater system as
efficient as possible are:
- Know how your stormwater system works. Be aware of the
location, condition and operation of all facilities that
you are responsible for maintaining.
- Keep all inlets, pipes and culverts clean and free of
debris. The grates should be kept unobstructed and any
sediment, trash or debris in the inlets or pipes should
be removed.
- Swales and grassed areas tend to fill in with vegetation
and sediment with age. It is important to mow swales regularly
and do not fill with yard waste, clippings or vegetation.
- Stabilize eroded areas in ditches and canals with appropriate
materials such as sod or plantings. The existing slopes
and dimensions should be compared against the original
design.
- Remove any dead vegetation, trash and debris from all
lakes. Erosion or washouts should be reparied or vegetated.
Outfall pipes should be open and clear.
- Conduct routine inspections on all outfall structures
to make sure no obstructions are present or reparis are
needed. Trash or vegetation should be removed.
ILLICIT CONNECTIONS
The City of Greenacres cares about the stormwater management
system and the quality of water entering and leaving our
area. You can help us maintain quality standards by reporting
illicit connections to the city. Illicit connections are
discharges of any pollutants into the stormwater system,
including pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, sewage, chemicals
and oil.
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