Flooding in Florida
The water is rising. Or is it? This question is for scientists, politicians, and reporters. However, it is clear that the water is higher than in the past. This is evident to anyone who has lived in South Florida for over 40 years, through flooding events, research, and data.
Sea Level Rise: Over the last 80 years, sea level has risen by approximately one foot, according to NOAA. The Natural History Museum’s Ocean Find Your Blue reports that today’s sea level is 5-8 inches higher on average than it was in 1900.
Land Development Impact: The development of South Florida has led to a decrease in land reserved for agriculture, undeveloped land, natural drainage flows, and vegetation areas, exacerbating the impact of rising water levels.
Public Perception: According to a FAU survey completed on 05/14/24, 90% of Floridians believe climate change is happening.
Building Strategies
- Elevation and Floodproofing
- Elevation: Raise buildings above predicted flood levels using stilts, piers, or raised foundations such as stem wall construction.
- Dry Floodproofing: Seal buildings to prevent water entry with waterproofing and water barriers.
- Wet Floodproofing: Design structures to allow water entry, using materials and systems that minimize damage.
2. Historical Information
- Utilize historical maps or contour maps to identify past rivers, mountain valleys, and agricultural lands which might become active again during storms.
3. Coastal Defense Structures
- Sea Walls: Protect against storm surges and erosion.
- Levees and Dikes: Prevent flooding of low-lying areas.
- Storm Surge Barriers: Movable barriers that protect coastal areas during storms.
- Frangible Walls: Designed to collapse in storm surge, preserving structural support columns.
4. Natural and Hybrid Solutions
- Living Shorelines: Use natural elements like mangroves, wetlands, and oyster reefs to absorb wave energy and reduce erosion.
- Hybrid Approaches: Combine natural and manufactured elements, such as vegetated berms with rock reinforcements.
5. Permeable Surfaces and Green Infrastructure
- Permeable Pavements: Allow water infiltration, reducing runoff.
- Green Roofs and Walls: Absorb rainwater and reduce runoff.
- Rain Gardens and Bioswales: Capture and filter stormwater.
6. Advanced Drainage Systems
- Site Drainage Systems: Collect rainwater from roofs, gutters, and surfaces, directing it to lower retention areas or storage systems.
- Improved Drainage Networks: Enhance stormwater management to manage increased rainfall and runoff.
- Smart Drainage Systems: Use sensors and automated controls for dynamic water flow and storage management.
7. Building Codes and Zoning Regulations
- Updated Codes: Require flood-resistant designs and materials.
- Zoning Laws: Regulate development in high-risk flood zones to minimize damage and ensure safe construction practices.
8. Sustainable Urban Planning
- Integrated Planning: Design cities with resilience in mind, incorporating water management, green spaces, and emergency response strategies.
- Resilient Infrastructure: Ensure critical infrastructure like roads, utilities, and communication systems can withstand flooding.
Conclusion
Implementing these construction methods can significantly enhance resilience against rising water levels. Adopting a combination of these strategies tailored to specific site conditions will help mitigate flooding impacts and ensure long-term sustainability. Consulting with general contractors, architects, structural engineers, coastal engineers, and landscape architects familiar with local conditions can help create a flood-resistant residence.
Flood Tools
FEMA Flood Map – Review your property address for current flood map information.
NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer – allows you to change the sea levels, shows marsh migration areas, high tide flooding, vulnerability areas.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection – Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise in Florida