BACKGROUND

Florida’s Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD or District) was created in 1915 specifically for the purposes of reclaiming, draining, and irrigating the lands within its boundary and to provide water control and water supply to support the livelihood of communities along Florida’s Atlantic Coast between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

Today, LWDD provides comprehensive flood control, water conservation and water supply protection for 13 municipalities serving more than 750,000 residents. As part of its remit, LWDD monitors and controls a complex system of approximately 500 miles of canals, 20 major water control structures and numerous minor structures across over 200 square miles.

SUMMARY

Using SmartCover’s strategic sensor placement processes, the District was able to maximize the impact while minimizing costs, with a 2-year payback simply in reduced manpower costs. That benefit is independent of the operational efficiencies in maximizing the capacity within the District’s built infrastructure, reducing the requirement for capital improvements, and preventing property losses.

LWDD has deployed multiple SmartCover sensor units throughout its canal network. The deployment was an immediate economic benefit by reducing the manpower requirements to read staff gauges and respond to events. Real-time information and control have also dramatically reduced overtime costs.

LWDD is realizing additional benefits such as understanding how to prepare flood control networks for upcoming storms; identifying when canal cleaning and maintenance routines need to be activated; and the landowners served by the District are seeing reduced insurance costs as a result of the District’s FEMA-recognized best management practices.

Interested in finding out how our SmartCover solutions can work for you? Reach out to sales@smartcoversystems.com or call (855) 291-1980.