Page 7 - Abacoa Community News - July '22

Abacoa, Page 7
Commissioner’s Update

Water Utilities – An Industry and the third largest in Florida. WUD – an enterprise fund separate from the drinking water distribution system.
Additionally, the captured gases produce electricity.
– is self-supporting through the collection of user fees, and
Leader is not reliant upon ad valorem dollars. They are one of the One million gallons of reclaimed water per day goes to
few utilities in the nation to receive AAA bond ratings from the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, a constructed wetland on Jog
By Commissioner Standard & Poor’s and Fitch rating services. Road in Delray Beach. Green Cay Wetlands is the second
Maria Marino Their utilization of the most up-to-date technologies has wetland constructed by WUD, and is about 100 acres in size,
As a large urban county, resulted in high-quality drinking water, and the treatment accepting two to three million gallons per day of reclaimed
Palm Beach County faces of wastewater exceeding federal and state pretreatment water. These beautiful wetlands create a valuable wildlife
challenges on a very broad guidelines. This level of excellence has earned WUD habitat, where the public can observe more than 150 species
scale, which include growth numerous awards. Most recently, WUD received the honor of birds as well as alligators, rabbits, turtles, otters, foxes
management, affordable of being the first water utility in North America certified and others. Members of the public can walk, bird watch,
housing, homelessness, by the International Organization for Standardization for and photograph on the extensive boardwalk system, which
transportation and its continued commitment to managing public assets in features interpretive signs about the habitat.
infrastructure funding. The accordance with the highest industry standards. At the Among the greatest benefits of the county’s Reclaimed
county’s 39 municipalities 2021 Florida Water Environmental Association convention, Water Program is the ability to irrigate, while conserving
rely on our planning, policies WUD earned three awards for pretreatment program our fresh drinking water supplies. Reclaimed water is less
and codes to help guide future development, enhance public practices for dealing with industrial discharges, and for expensive than drinking water, it helps lawns, parks, and golf
safety, protect environmental resources, and provide access maintaining the highest removal of pollutants prior to the courses stay green, it is not subject to water restrictions for
to programs, facilities, and services. discharge of treated effluent. irrigation, and it helps to recharge ground water aquifers.
Palm Beach County strives to meet the needs of Environmental stewardship is a priority for WUD. That The South Florida Water Management District strongly
residents and businesses efficiently and economically, while is why advancement of the reclaimed water program has supports the Reclaimed Water Program, and has urged
maintaining the highest standards, and we take pride in led to Palm Beach County’s role as the leading supplier local governments to increase the portion of water supplies
staying ahead of the curve with innovative approaches to of reclaimed water in Southeast Florida. Reclaimed water derived from alternative sources, in order to comply with
providing public services. The Water Utilities Department is wastewater that has been highly treated, filtered and consumptive use permit regulations.
(WUD) is a prime example of this approach. disinfected at the Southern Region Water Reclamation As a leader in the water utility industry, WUD is meeting
Water Utilities operates 24 hours a day, seven days a Facility in suburban Boynton Beach, and is safe for irrigation. the challenges of providing an abundant supply of fresh,
week, and provides drinking water and wastewater services The treatment process eliminates harmful substances, high-quality drinking water for the future, and setting an
to nearly 600,000 customers in the unincorporated areas of but leaves traces of nitrogen and phosphorous that act as example for other communities.
the county and the western reaches of District 1. Now 52 fertilizers on lawns and landscapes. WUD distributes the As always, if I can assist you, please contact me at (561)
years old, it is the largest water utility in Palm Beach County, reclaimed water through purple pipes that are completely 355-2201 or by email at mmarino@pbcgov.org.
Northern Notes

Prepare Now For The Rainy prepare. Here are some things that you can do now to get
ready:
Season • Ensure drainage gates, ditches and swales in your
neighborhood are clear of garbage, trash, leaves, limbs or
By Katie Roundtree, garden debris.
Director of Finance and • Trim your trees and remove dead vegetation in your
Administration, Northern yard. Do not trim trees if a significant storm is in the forecast.
Palm Beach County • Check your community retention pond or lake for
Improvement District obstructed pipes and contact the appropriate authority for
June 1 was the start removal (your HOA, city, county, or local drainage district).
of the Atlantic hurricane • Find out who is responsible for drainage in your
season. Forecasters are community. Visit SFWMD.gov/FloodControl to input an
calling for another active address to see who is responsible for that area.
season predicting 14 to 21 • Know your evacuation zone. Visit Palm Beach County available shelters, plan for a storm and tips about how
named storms. However, Emergency Management’s home page for a link to the to build a preparedness kit. After the storm, it can help
it only takes one to cause Hurricane Evacuation Zone Lookup Tool. https://discover. locate available grocery stores, open gas stations and
significant damage. This year marks the 30th anniversary pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/ report damages.
of Hurricane Andrew, the Category 5 storm that • The Palm Beach County Emergency Management • Make a personal plan for hurricane preparedness.
devastated Miami-Dade and surrounding areas. Aside page also has a link to download the PBC DART app. Learn more at Floridadisaster.org.
from named storms, local afternoon thundershowers can DART stands for Disaster Awareness and Recovery Tool. As we enter the rainy season in south Florida, it is
be just as damaging but far less predictable. It pays to This app will let you look up your evacuation zone, see essential to remember that some standing water in streets
and swales is normal during heavy rains. Streets and
swales are an integral part of the stormwater system. If
Susan Has Moved To A you arrive upon a roadway during or after a rain event
where you cannot determine the depth of the water in the
street – for your safety – do not drive down the street.
New Location! Find an alternate route. If you are unsure how deep the
water is, turn around. Cars can lose traction in as little
as 6 inches of water. Stay safe out there!
NPDES Tip: Hurricane season began June 1. Make
Androcles Hair Salon sure your yards and trees are trimmed to avoid flying debris
during a storm. Dispose of your trimmings and clippings
4031 Hood Rd., Suite C-108 properly. Do not put them into storm drains or lakes!
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