The SFWMD contributed funding to the South Broward Drainage District (SBDD) for construction of a water control structure in Southwest Ranches on the SBDD’s Canal 12, between S.W. 190th Avenue and S.W. 188th Avenue. The structure will control the discharge of runoff to the SFWMD’s C-11 Canal, reducing the amount of phosphorus-laden runoff from the surrounding nurseries and equestrian properties from reaching the regional system.

This project will also improve flood protection for the properties in the SBDD S-9 and S-10 basins by maximizing the discharge into the C-11 Canal in preparation for, and in response to, hurricanes and other major rain events. It will reduce aquatic vegetation problems in the secondary canals by enabling the South Broward Drainage District to utilize triploid carp and other methods currently unused because of the open connections from the secondary

In continuous support of water conservation in Broward County, the SFWMD has awarded a $15,000 Water Savings Incentive Program (WaterSIP) grant to the City of Fort Lauderdale. The funding allows for purchase and installation of 10 automatic flushing devices for potable water distribution lines near the boundaries of the city’s service area.

Created in 2002, WaterSIP provides matching funds up to $75,000 to water providers and large users for installing water-saving technology. From 2002 through 2009, WaterSIP has invested $3.36 million in 116 projects throughout the District’s 16-county region. Those projects have saved an estimated 2.1 billion gallons of water per year. Visit www.sfwmd.gov/watersip for more information.

Following a summer break, the Broward Water Resources Task Force has resumed meetings focused on regional water supply availability for Broward County. The term of the task force is being extended, and its report is expected mid-2010.

The Broward/Palm Beach County Water Resources Task Force and the Palm Beach Water Resources Task Force held a joint meeting focused on future water supply needs for our region. SFWMD Governing Board member Shannon Estenoz serves as Chair of the Broward Task Force. SFWMD Governing Board member and Palm Beach County Task Force member Patrick Rooney also participated in the meeting. The task forces include elected county representatives and local officials. 

Sunrise’s summer camp series on water conservation continued through the first week of August at Banyan Elementary, Sawgrass Elementary, Welleby Elementary, Nob Hill Elementary, Sandpiper Elementary, West Pine Middle, Harvard Academy, Sunrise Athletic complex, Village Sport and Sunrise Theatre. SFWMD outreach staff made presentations to more than 1,000 elementary and middle school students.

District staff also discussed water conservation with residents during the Clean and Green workshop series, hosted by the City of Lauderdale Lakes at the Shoppes of St. Croix, and participated in the City of Parkland’s environmental fair.

The Broward Service Center welcomes requests for presentations on water conservation and environmental restoration. If a group or organization is interested in learning more about these topics, please contact us at 954-713-3200.