February 9, 2017

SFWMD Governing Board Approves Renovation of Historic Loxahatchee River Dams in Palm Beach County

Lainhart and Masten dams will be restored to continue protecting riverine floodplain of Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River 

The Lainhart Dam (left) and Masten Dam (right) will be repaired to protect the freshwater riverine floodplain of the Loxahatchee River, a state-designated wild and scenic river in Jupiter. Click on images to see larger versions.

"The Loxahatchee River is part of the experience for so many of us who grew up in Palm Beach County and part of what makes living in South Florida so great," said Governing Board Member Melanie Peterson, a lifelong Palm Beach County resident. "In addition to being part of the history of this wild and scenic river, these dams play a crucial role in protecting the cypress swamp floodplain that makes the Loxahatchee River so unique."

The dams, first built in the 1930s by local families and last renovated in 1986, control and regulate upstream flow stages of the Northwest Fork of the river and maintain the hydrology of the riverine floodplain ecosystem. Modeling has shown that without the two dams in place, the upstream water levels would be about 1.5 feet lower, draining the freshwater swamp and allowing saltwater intrusion.

 

Portage areas where canoers and kayakers carry their vessels over the two dams will also be refurbished to improve access. The portages will remain open to the public throughout construction. The repairs are expected to begin in the next few months and be completed by July 2018.  

The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state's five water management districts. Our mission is to protect South Florida's water resources by balancing and improving flood control, water supply, water quality and natural systems.