Canals in Miami-Dade County are extremely critical, because not only do they provide drainage during periods of excess rainfall, but they also help maintain adequate ground water levels in the Biscayne Aquifer, which is the County’s primary source of drinking water.

So contrary to what many residents may believe, canals aren’t just an aesthetic element. Their main purpose is to redirect water in order to reduce the risk of flooding in Miami-Dade County.  It’s a big undertaking due in part to the fact that our land is so low and flat and because there is so much water around us.

Water, Water, Everywhere

In southeast Florida, we average sixty inches of rainfall annually. However, most of the rainfall is concentrated within the few months of the year that we call our “rainy season.” As a result, frequent and substantial flooding may occur in some areas throughout the County.

Besides an abundant rainy season, South Florida has also dealt with a number of natural disasters.  Two in particular, which have had a major impact in terms of flooding, were Hurricane Irene in 1999 and the No-Name Storm in 2000.  What made matters worse is that they occurred during the latter part of rainy seasons when the ground had already been oversaturated with water.  As a matter of fact, Hurricane Irene and the No-Name Storm each generated four times the amount of rain that fell during Hurricane Andrew.

As a result of flooding associated with these events, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved projects totaling over $740 million for activities including drainage replacement, canal dredging, road restoration, drainage system cleaning and sidewalk restoration to alleviate future flood events.

At this point, much of the work has been completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Completing this major enhancement of the County’s water management system means better flood control and puts the County in better shape to handle another natural disaster like Hurricane Irene. But remember, flood management is an ongoing process, so there’s still work to be done.

To find out if your home lies in a Special Flood Hazard Area or designated flood zone, you can call Miami Dade County’s Flood Zone Hotline at 786-315 2847.

The Role Residents Play

So what can you do to improve the drainage not just in your neighborhood, but in the County in general? It’s as easy as reducing the negative impacts of stormwater runoff. Avoid using excessive amounts of fertilizer, which can runoff into our stormdrain or canal systems. Also, remember that nothing but rainwater is allowed in the stormdrains located on streets, curbs, and right of ways.  Help us keep the waters and streets of Miami Dade County clean by keeping these drains clear of debris, leaves and chemicals.

The County’s task of maintaining our canals is made a lot easier with your assistance. You can help by not littering or dumping anything into any water body in Miami Dade County.  It not only hinders the County’s efforts, but it’s actually illegal. If you witness dumping of any liquid or debris into a stormdrain or any water body in the County, you can call DERM's 24 hour Hotline at 305-372-6955 or Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.

Other ways you can help:

• Avoid using canals for recreational activities including boating, fishing and swimming - canals are intended for drainage purposes only.
• Do not walk on canal banks near the canal's edge - they may be unstable.
• If your home has access to a canal, keep in mind that it is a violation to construct fencing, docks and other structures in County easements or right-of-ways.  These types of structures might limit the access of County maintenance crews to the canals.

Your help is very important in the County’s efforts to keep our canals and stormdrains well maintained.  Proper maintenance is crucial in reducing the risk of flooding in our communities.

So next time you drive by or cross over a canal, remember that without this expansive network of canals and pipes, rainwater would collect at the lowest areas with nowhere to drain. This is why it is essential to continually improve conditions and correct problems associated with our stormdrain system. 

With everyone working together, we can continue to shape the future of Miami-Dade County, one neighborhood at a time.

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