Drainage System Maintenance

The City is served by a system of primary and tributary canals and swale areas which are man-made facilities constructed originally to drain the Everglades , and currently used to accommodate the flow of water and for stormwater management purposes.  They are maintained on a regular basis by Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District and the South Florida Water Management District.  The Public Works Department conducts an annual inspection of the drainage system to ensure proper maintenance.   These drainage features are critical to the success of water management practices which are incorporated into the development review process .  State law prohibits dumping or unauthorized obstructions or alterations of the drainage canals or swale areas . Residents should be alert to protecting these systems as their condition is essential to controlling flooding within the City.

The City's own stormwater facilities are maintained by our Engineering and Public Works Department, and are of vital importance since the water flowing through them drains not only our coastal City, but inland City areas as well. Residents can report problems to the City's Public Works Department 24/7 at (561) 837-4011 or the Mayor's Response Team (MRT) directly at http://www.cityofwpb.com/mayor/mrt.htm . State law prohibits the dumping of any materials into these facilities. Violations should be reported to the West Palm Beach Police Department at (561) 837-4000.