Flood control in Palm Beach County is dependent on a complex, integrated system of canals, waterways and flood control devices operated by the South Florida Water Management District, 20 drainage districts, and thousands of privately owned canals, retention/detention lakes and ponds.
The county's drainage system is designed to handle excess surface water in three stages. The "neighborhood or tertiary drainage systems" made up of community lakes, ponds, street and yard drainage grates or culverts, ditches and canals flow into the "local or secondary drainage system", made up of canals, structures, pumping stations and storage areas and then into the "primary flood control system" consisting of South Florida Water Management District canals and natural waterways and rivers; ultimately reaching the coast.
Water Control Districts Serving Palm Beach County
| South Florida Water Management District |
| Acme Improvement District |
Pahokee Drainage District |
| East Beach Water Control District |
Pelican Lake WCD |
| East Shore Water Control District |
Pine Tree WCD |
| Gladeview Drainage District |
Ritta WCD |
| Highland Glades Drainage District |
Seminole WCD |
| Indian Trail Improvement District |
Shawano Drainage District |
| Lake Worth Drainage District |
South Florida Conservancy District |
| Loxahatchee Groves WCD |
South Indian River WCD |
| North Palm Beach Heights WCD |
South Shore Drainage District |
| Northern PBC Improvement District |
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Download a map depicting the areas and boundaries covered by the above water management districts.