Annual declaration highlights SFWMD's ongoing efforts to operate and maintain regional flood control system that protects 8.9 million residents as well as the environment from flooding.
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board today recognized June as Flood Awareness Month, highlighting the District's ongoing efforts to support flood protection for 8.9 million residents. South Florida typically receives half of its annual rainfall during the summer wet season.
The District maintains and operates water management infrastructure to move and manage water in South Florida including:
- 2,200 miles of canals,
- 2,100 miles of levees,
- 760+ water control structures,
- 620+ culverts, and
- 89 pump stations.
Flood control in South Florida is a shared responsibility between SFWMD, local governments, and communities/HOAs. SFWMD operates the large regional flood control system known as the Central and Southern Florida Project flood control system, first created by the federal government more than 70 years ago. Local municipalities, drainage districts and homeowners associations provide primary and secondary drainage and flood protection, and many of these systems drain into SFWMD's flood control system.
Residents can do their part to ensure flood protection for all by making sure their property and drainage swales are free of debris that could obstruct the flow of floodwaters after a storm. They can also learn who provides their primary drainage and how to contact them in the event of an emergency by visiting SFWMD.gov/flood-control.