Rain showers are a part of life in South Florida, but where do those raindrops go after they fall on your roof, in your yard or on your street?
DID YOU KNOW: When it rains in your neighborhood, the water flows through an interconnected system designed to effectively manage water throughout the region.
MANAGING WATER IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Neighborhoods are equipped with drainage features, like swales, storm drains, and ponds, to 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 (District) to quickly and efficiently move water away from communities and businesses. Whether by gravity structures alone or aided by pump stations, regional canals channel 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.
WORKING TOGETHER: Flood control in South Florida is a shared responsibility between the District, county and city governments, local drainage districts, homeowners associations and residents. They must work together to achieve maximum drainage of excess rainwater.
KEEPING THE WATER FLOWING: 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 to maintain 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.
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.