Do you live on or near a canal in Lighthouse Point? The way you care for your swale, drains, and dock has a direct effect on canal water quality and your property’s flood risk. With a few simple habits, you can prevent clogs, protect marine life, and avoid costly damage. This guide gives you clear steps for yard care, boating practices, and how to report problems fast. Let’s dive in.
Why stormwater habits matter here
Lighthouse Point’s residential canals connect to the Intracoastal Waterway and coastal waters. That means stormwater from streets and yards moves quickly into canals. Runoff can carry sediment, nutrients from fertilizer, yard waste, pet waste, oil, and litter. Small choices at home can add up to algal blooms, fish kills, and flooding. State and federal agencies recognize urban stormwater as a major pollution source, so your routine matters.
Swales and drains: What you should do
Know your swale
The swale is the low strip between the street and your property or sidewalk. It is designed to move rainwater to curb inlets and drains. Most homeowners maintain landscaping here, but you should not block water flow or change the slope. Local rules can vary. Check with the City of Lighthouse Point for exact responsibilities and any planting limits.
Weekly and seasonal routines
- Walk your swale and curb opening weekly in rainy months.
- Remove leaves, grass clippings, and trash. Do not blow or rake debris into the street or storm grates.
- Pick up pet waste and place it in the trash.
- After storms, clear visible debris so water can drain.
Landscaping and construction tips
- Keep the swale pervious. Avoid paving or heavy compaction.
- If you landscape the swale, choose low, Florida‑friendly plants that do not block flow.
- Store mulch, soil, and building materials away from gutters and swales.
- For projects, use silt fencing or other erosion controls and keep stockpiles covered so sediment does not wash into drains.
- Redirect downspouts to vegetated areas, a small rain garden, or a rain barrel if allowed by local code.
When to call the city
If a storm grate is damaged or deeply clogged, remove only loose debris on top. For anything more, contact public works or code enforcement. They can address blockages, inlet damage, or suspected illegal dumping.
Yard and home practices that protect canals
Fertilizer and irrigation
Use slow‑release, low‑phosphorus products and follow the label. Do not fertilize right before rain. Keep a buffer strip between turf and the seawall to catch runoff and reduce erosion. Adjust sprinklers so you water plants, not the street.
Yard waste and pet waste
Never place yard waste in streets, gutters, or canals. Bag clippings and leaves, set them out per Broward County pickup rules, or compost on site if allowed. Always pick up pet waste. It carries nutrients and pathogens into waterways if left on the ground.
Household chemicals and auto fluids
Store paints, solvents, pesticides, oil, and antifreeze safely. Use Broward County household hazardous waste programs for disposal. Do not pour chemicals into drains or onto the ground.
For canal‑front homes and boaters
Clean fueling and bilge care
Use a fuel‑absorbent pad or mat, and avoid topping off tanks. Keep a bilge pad in place to capture oil and fuel. Maintain engines to prevent leaks, and dispose of oily pads correctly.
Sewage pumpouts
Use marina pumpout stations for holding tanks. Overboard discharge of sewage is prohibited in certain areas. Check current No Discharge Zones and follow the rules wherever you operate.
Boat cleaning and supplies
Wash hulls and gear where wash water will not drain to the canal. Avoid cleaners that create suds or residues in the water. Choose products designed for marine environments and dispose of waste properly.
Seawall care and erosion control
Inspect and maintain your seawall or bulkhead. Failing walls and loose soil increase sediment in canals and can harm marine life. If you plan shoreline work, confirm permits and consider options like permitted riprap, vegetation, or living‑shoreline elements where allowed. Proper design reduces erosion and helps water quality.
Report problems fast: Who to call
What to report
Report visible oil sheen, colored plumes, or unusual odors on the water. Also report illegal dumping into canals or drains, sediment‑heavy runoff from construction, clogged inlets that cause flooding, suspected boat sewage discharge, large fish kills, or significant fuel or chemical spills.
Who to contact and when
- City of Lighthouse Point: public works or code enforcement for blocked drains, local dumping, and code issues.
- Broward County environmental or stormwater programs: illicit connections, county enforcement, and HHW information.
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection: state‑level pollution incidents and point‑source discharges.
- U.S. Coast Guard or National Response Center: marine spills on navigable waters requiring federal response.
- Call 911 if there is immediate danger to life or a major spill threatening public safety.
What to document
From a safe distance, note the exact location, date, and time. Describe the problem, including color, odor, sheen, and estimated size. Take photos or a short video. Identify flow direction and any vehicles, signage, or witnesses. If you smell strong fumes or see hazardous materials, keep back and alert authorities.
Simple checklist and seasonal calendar
Monthly
- Walk the swale and curb opening; remove debris and pet waste.
- Confirm downspouts drain to pervious areas, not directly to the street.
- Check for leaks on vehicles and boats and address them quickly.
Before rainy season
- Clean roof gutters and ensure downspouts are directed to vegetation or a rain barrel if allowed.
- Service boats, check fuel and oil lines, and place fresh bilge pads.
- Confirm construction sites use erosion control.
After storms
- Remove debris from swales and curb inlets.
- Look for signs of spills or illegal dumping and report as needed.
- Inspect seawalls for new cracks, soil loss, or settlement.
Landscaping schedule
- Use slow‑release fertilizers only as recommended.
- Follow county or city fertilizer guidance and any seasonal rules.
Waste and HHW
- Use Broward County household hazardous waste programs for paints, oils, and chemicals.
Low‑cost upgrades that make a difference
- Install a rain barrel or small cistern if permitted.
- Build a simple rain garden or vegetated swale to slow runoff.
- Keep a small spill kit with absorbent pads at your dock for quick response.
Local resources to bookmark
- City of Lighthouse Point: public works, code enforcement, and municipal ordinances.
- Broward County: stormwater programs, yard‑waste guidance, and household hazardous waste schedules.
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection: pollution reporting, NDZ information, and spill protocols.
- South Florida Water Management District: urban stormwater best practices.
- UF/IFAS Extension: Florida‑Friendly Landscaping and fertilizer guidance.
- U.S. EPA: stormwater basics and nonpoint source pollution.
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Clean Marina‑type programs: boating best practices and pumpout options.
A clean, well‑drained property protects your canal and your investment. Simple routines around your swale, yard, and dock can prevent clogs, reduce pollution, and make your home more resilient during heavy rain. If you are planning to sell, these steps also signal care and confidence to buyers.
If you want local guidance on property prep, shoreline questions, or how smart improvements may affect value, reach out. Damiana Mendes Ponce understands Broward waterfront living and brings a practical, concierge approach to your goals. Connect with Unknown Company to get started.
FAQs
What is a swale and why does it matter in Lighthouse Point?
- A swale is the low strip between the street and your property that carries rainwater to drains. Keeping it clear prevents flooding and keeps debris out of canals.
How should I handle grass clippings and leaves near canals?
- Bag or set out yard waste per Broward County rules or compost if allowed. Never blow or rake clippings into streets, gutters, or canals.
What fertilizer practices reduce canal pollution?
- Use slow‑release, low‑phosphorus products, follow label rates, and avoid fertilizing before rain. Keep a plant buffer along seawalls to intercept runoff.
How do I report an oil sheen or illegal dumping in Lighthouse Point?
- Note the location, time, and what you see or smell, take photos from a safe distance, and contact the city or county. Call 911 if there is immediate danger.
What should boaters do to prevent spills at home docks?
- Use absorbent pads when fueling, avoid topping off, keep a bilge pad in place, and dispose of pads properly. Use marina pumpouts for sewage.
When do I need permits for seawall or shoreline work?
- Before altering seawalls, docks, or shorelines, check with the City of Lighthouse Point and appropriate agencies to confirm permits and best practices.
