DYK: Where the Water Goes When It Rains

When it rains in South Florida, the raindrops flow from your roof, your yard and your street into an interconnected system designed to effectively manage water throughout the region.

DID YOU KNOW: Flood control in South Florida is a shared responsibility between the South Florida Water Management District, county and city governments, local drainage districts, homeowners associations and residents.

A THREE-TIER SYSTEM: Neighborhood ponds and canals flow into larger canals that connect to the regional water management system operated by the South Florida Water Management District. These interconnected systems must work together to achieve maximum drainage of excess rainwater.

MANAGING WATER IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: When rain falls over your neighborhood, community drainage features like swales, storm drains, and ponds, help move water away from your home. Rainwater first collects in swales and on streets, before it flows into storm drains. Underground pipes then carry the water to community lakes, ponds and canals.

It's important to know that some standing water is normal and expected after it rains.

LOCAL CANALS KEEP WATER MOVING: Your neighborhood's drainage network directs rainwater into a secondary system of local canals and storage areas that are maintained and operated by cities, counties or local drainage districts.

This secondary drainage system can either hold excess water or move it to the larger-capacity regional fl­ood control system.

REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT: The regional water management system is operated and maintained by the South Florida Water Management District to quickly and efficiently move water away from communities and businesses. Whether by gravity structures alone or aided by pump stations, regional canals carry excess water into storage areas or to coastal discharge points.

In areas not served by the regional water management system, natural rivers and other waterways serve as drainage outlets.

SUPPORTING FLOOD CONTROL IN YOUR COMMUNITY: There are many ways you can help keep the water flowing in your community:

✅ Check for any structure, storm drain or canal blockages. Remove debris and/or report any issues.

✅ If you are part of a homeowners association (HOA), identify the HOA representative responsible for maintaining the water control structures for your community.

✅ Understand your neighborhood drainage limitations. Every neighborhood drains differently.

✅ Know who to call if you experience flooding. Type in your address and look up your local drainage operator at SFWMD.gov/FloodControl. It is important to report observed conditions to the proper entity and documenting floods in an important part of how the community can help.

LEARN MORE: To learn more about what to expect when it rains and where the water flows after it leaves your neighborhood, please click on this infographic and learn more about observed conditions by visiting SFWMD.gov/FloodResource.