Did you know flood control is a key component of the South Florida Water Management District’s public service mission?
The SFWMD operates one of the largest water control systems in the world, and our dedicated team of public servants works year-round to make sure this vast system operates smoothly and efficiently to effectively manage water for more than 9 million people in Central and Southern Florida. As heavy rainfall continues to impact our region this week, the District is taking action to make sure the regional flood control system operates at full capacity.
A CLOSER LOOK: Read the infographic Rain Drain: What to Expect in Your Neighborhood When It Rains for a close-up look at the interconnected drainage system.
WHY IT MATTERS: The regional water management system of canals, levees and water control structures moves water safely away from homes, businesses and populated areas in times of heavy rain. During drier periods, the regional system can also move water from storage areas to help recharge and protect water supplies. Moving water to meet varying conditions and needs is essential to sustaining South Florida's people, economy and our environment.
At the SFWMD’s June Governing Board meeting, Governing Board members recognized June as Flood Awareness Month and highlighted the District’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the regional water management system is ready for whatever nature sends our way, whether that's a typical summer rainstorm or a more intense storm event such as a hurricane.
BY THE NUMBERS: Using state-of-the-art technology, SFWMD water managers monitor the weather around the clock to determine the optimal operation of hundreds of control structures located from Orlando to the Florida Keys. The SFWMD manages and maintains:
- 2,175+ miles of canals
- 2,130+ miles of levees/berms
- 915+ water control structures
- 620+ project culverts
- 90 pump stations
A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: This primary system of canals and natural waterways connects to community drainage districts and hundreds of smaller neighborhood systems to move water away from homes and businesses. As a result of this interconnected drainage system, flood control in South Florida is a shared responsibility between the District, county and city governments, local drainage districts, homeowners associations and residents.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: The SFWMD regularly examines the status of its flood control infrastructure and evaluates adaptation and mitigation strategies to ensure these assets can continue to provide flood protection while accounting for population growth, land development and changing climate conditions. The SFWMD continues to make significant infrastructure adaptation investments to ensure the resiliency of the regional water management system.
As we recognize Flood Awareness Month, we encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/FloodControl to learn more about flood control throughout the SFWMD's 16-county region.