South Indian River Water Control District is responsible for the maintenance of the District’s primary canal system. All District canals, swales, and outfalls are inspected regularly for erosion, vegetation, or other related drainage issues. The canal clearing and maintenance ongoing program provides services that include clearing of debris and vegetation, grading, and shaping of the canals, as well as restoring, replacing, or enhancing structural improvements.

The Board has authorized an on-going swale maintenance program which allows the District Engineer and Executive Director to identify areas within South Indian River Water Control District that could be improved for conveyance and storage. Outfall swales throughout the District are examined to determine the need for vegetation removal, regrading, and/or outfall pipe replacements.

The District has a Vegetation Management program that controls emergent aquatic vegetation growth using herbicides approved in permits obtained from the state of Florida, as well as mechanical removal of dead or accumulated vegetation that may present potential for impeding the flow of stormwater in the primary canals. This is an ongoing process aimed at reducing and managing the vegetation in the canals, road swales, and other stormwater management features to allow unobstructed drainage following rain events. 

The District’s mowing schedule takes an average of 6-8 weeks to complete. Weather, mechanical, or personal circumstances can alter the schedule.

In the future, greater emphasis may be needed for this program as a result of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water quality programs, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Environmental Protection Agency proposed stormwater criteria, the Ecosystem Management Area Plan, and other governmental coordinating activities.

It is important that residents report any blockage in the canals and to refrain from dumping trash, agricultural waste, tires, old toys, recreational equipment, appliances and all toxic materials into the canals or on vacant lots. It is illegal and can result in heavy fines – see our Canal and Swale Obstruction page. Please notify the District if you see any illegal dumping or wish to report needed swale or canal maintenance by filling out our Service Request Form.