Tropical storms and hurricanes, usually accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall, can cause problems in urban lakes and water systems. Prior to the arrival of these storms, South Florida Water Management Districts pump canal water towards the ocean and Everglades. The activity lowers the water table and the water levels in canals and surrounding lakes. These measures are taken to increase the stormwater retention capacity in anticipation of abnormal quantities of runoff.
Low water levels expose shoreline banks and submerged vegetation. Wind deposits trash and debris into the waterway systems. The unusual movement if water spreads undesirable aquatic weeds. Water quality is usually degraded by excessive fertilizer input, street-surface runoff and other pollutants that are carried into the water by drainage transfer.
Municipalities with old sewer systems overflow and contaminate ground and drinking water supplies. HRS and local stormwater and sewer agencies test the water and are required to post warnings along the waterways that have been adversely affected. For this reason, bottled water is recommended for use during and immediately after storm conditions.
Native plants and vegetation beneficial to fish and waterfowl are often damaged by excessive water level fluctuations, shifting bank areas and high winds. Wildlife habitat can be disturbed and the diversity of species within the aquatic community may be altered.
Wave action, water surges and strong winds cause erosion and the movement of soil, altering depths and bottom-soil composition. Silting is common. Sediment suspension (turbidity) in the water places stress of fish and aquatic plants.
Associations must ensure that their waterways and lakes are professionally monitored and maintained in order to lessen the negative effects on their plant and animal life during and after a tropical storm.
By Steve Weinsier
Allstate Resource Management
sweinsier@allstatemanagement.com
