Flood control is a key component of the South Florida Water Management District’s (District) public service mission, and our team is committed to ensuring the regional flood control system operates smoothly and efficiently all year long.
DID YOU KNOW: The District operates one of the largest flood control and water management systems in the world.
PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES: This vast regional system of canals, levees, pump stations and other important water management infrastructure is key to protecting water supplies and providing flood control for over 9 million people throughout the region.
MOVING WATER TO MEET VARYING CONDITIONS: In times of heavy rain, the regional water management system moves water safely away from homes, businesses and populated areas. 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.
MANAGING OUR WATER RESOURCES: Using state-of-the-art technology, the District’s 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 District manages and maintains:
- 2,175+ miles of canals
- 2,130+ miles of levees/berms
- 936+ water control structures
- 620+ project culverts
- 98 pump stations
A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: The 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.
As we recognize Flood Awareness Month, we encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/FloodControl to learn more about who is responsible for drainage in your neighborhood.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: The District regularly examines the status of its flood control infrastructure and evaluates adaptation and mitigation strategies to ensure these assets can continue to provide flood risk management while accounting for population growth, land development and changing climate conditions.
Visit SFWMD.gov/FloodControl to learn more about the regional water management system and flood control in your community.