Natural Areas and Stormwater Management
Jupiter , with all its water assets – the ocean , the inlet , and the
Loxahatchee River – is vulnerable to flooding . Jupiter also has amazing land assets that reduce the possibility of flooding . The area ’ s nine largest parks and designated natural areas total 1,126 acres of open land . This land is part of our stormwater management system – natural areas that store rain water , help protect the community from flood damage and recharge the groundwater aquifer . Residents can help protect the natural floodplain functions of our parks and natural areas by following the drainage maintenance tips listed in the next section .
Drainage Maintenance
To protect against flooding , it is important to maintain the water carrying capacity of the Town ’ s drainage system . This maintenance program is managed by the Stormwater Utility . Stormwater staff also inspect private drainage systems upon request . If a public or private drainage system is not functioning properly , please call the department at 561-741-2705 Always remember :
• It is illegal to dump or throw debris in ditches – even grass clippings . If you see anyone dumping trash or vegetation in ditches , contact Stormwater at 561-741-2705 .
• Keep the banks of ditches along your property clear of brush and debris .
• Check with the Building Department before you build , alter , re-grade , or bring fill onto your property to see if a permit is needed and to ensure that projects do not cause problems to neighboring properties . If you see building or filling and a permit is not posted , contact the Building Department at 561-741-2286 .
Flood Safety Measures
You can protect yourself from flood hazards by taking the following measures to ensure the safety of life and property before , during , and after a flood :
• Do not walk through flowing water . Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths . Currents can be deceptive ; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet . If you walk in standing water , use a pole or stick to see how deep the water is .
• Do not drive through a flooded area . More people drown in their cars than anywhere else . Do not drive around road barriers ; the road or bridge may be washed away and canals may not be distinguishable from roads .
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires . The number two cause of flood-related deaths is electrocution .
• Report downed power lines . Contact Florida Power & Light ( 1-800-468-8243 ) or dial 911 immediately .
HOW YOU CAN HELP :
PROBLEM
Areas of flooding
Safety concerns , such as a washed-out road
Downed power lines
WHO TO CALL
Stormwater Utilities :
561-743-7013
Police Department :
561-799-4445
Florida Power & Light :
1-800-4OUTAGE
Jupiter ’ s Flood and Hurricane Vulnerabilities
With the Loxahatchee River running through Town and the Jupiter Inlet and open Atlantic Ocean to the east , Jupiter and the surrounding areas are vulnerable to flooding from seasonal rains and hurricanes . If you live in a low-lying area , an area along canals or lakes , or near the coastal areas prone to tidal surges , then your property is the most vulnerable to flooding . However , since Jupiter ’ s flood hazard areas are quite scattered , every property has the potential to experience flooding . Your flood zone designation can help to inform you about the potential of your property to experience flooding . In early 2020 , FEMA updated flood zone maps , and your flood zone designation may have changed . You can access flood zone map information through the Town ’ s website at www . jupiter . fl . us / STORM . The Town ’ s Building Department ( 561-741-2286 ) can help you understand your flood zone designation , your vulnerability to stormwater drainage problems , natural floodplain functions , and historical flooding information for your property .