|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Stormwater Operations crews play a vital role in protecting neighborhoods from flooding and maintaining clean waterways by inspecting and cleaning nearly 10,000 catch basins spread across the city. Their year-round dedication ensures our stormwater infrastructure operates efficiently, rain or shine.
What Is a Catch Basin?
Catch basins, also known as stormwater inlets, are structures designed to collect water, debris, and sediment during rain events. They allow stormwater to flow into a network of underground pipes, known as gravity mains, which rely on natural slopes to carry water without requiring pumps. At the bottom of each catch basin is a sump, a small area designed to trap debris and prevent it from entering the waterway.
Inspections: A Year-Round Operation
Stormwater Operations crews conduct proactive inspections an average of twice a year for each catch basin, ensuring they are always ready for the next storm. Last year alone, the City performed over 20,000 inspections—17,282 proactive and 3,380 reactive, based on calls from residents. Using observation and tools like sediment sticks, inspectors check for cracks, water levels, and debris accumulation in catch basins.
Residents are encouraged to report any issues, such as debris or vegetation obstructing a catch basin, through the City’s FixItFTL app or by calling the customer service line (954-828-8000).
Cleaning and Maintenance: From Debris to Blockages
Cleaning begins with specialized vactor trucks, which use suction to remove sediment and debris from the basins. The crews also use high-powered water jets to clear connected pipes, ensuring smooth water flow. If a blockage is detected, advanced inspections with robotic cameras are deployed to locate and resolve the issue. Crews meticulously track their work with tablets, leaving no catch basin overlooked.
Myth-Busting: Do Catch Basins Always Need to Be Dry?
It’s common to see water inside a catch basin, and it doesn’t always indicate a problem. Depending on the area, this water might be influenced by tides or come from perforated pipes that allow for gradual drainage over 48–72 hours. However, if standing water persists or a basin is visibly clogged, it’s time to call in the experts.
High-Impact Areas and Storm Preparations
As storms approach, the crews focus on high-impact areas prone to flooding. While they don’t clean every basin before a storm, proactive measures and routine inspections minimize risks and ensure the drainage system is ready on any given day. Residents can contribute by keeping an eye out for debris and reporting it promptly.
Why It Matters
With nearly 200 miles of stormwater pipes to manage, maintaining the City’s drainage system is no small task. Clean catch basins and functioning pipes are essential for preventing flooding and protecting the environment. The City’s ongoing efforts ensure a resilient infrastructure that keeps Fort Lauderdale safe, even during heavy rains.
To report an issue, go to fortlauderdale.gov/FixItFTL, use the FixItFTL app or call our customer service line at 954-828-8000. Together, we can keep our city clean and resilient!
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com
#thatscommunitynews #communitynewspapers #miamidade #miamidadecounty #thatscommunity #miamicommunitynews #coralgables #palmettobay #southmiami #doral #aventura #pinecrest #kendall #broward #biscaynebay
