The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) was originally created on June 15, 1915 under Chapter 6458 Laws of Florida. The District currently operates under Chapter 09-298 and amendments thereto. Lake Worth Drainage District was created to reclaim lands within its boundaries and thereby provide water control and supply for settlement and agriculture. Currently, LWDD provides comprehensive flood control, water conservation and water supply protection to an estimated 700,000 residents and several thousand acres of prime agricultural land. LWDD protects its service area from flooding by maintaining approximately 500 miles of canals, 20 major water control structures and several minor structures. This system is also operated to provide ground water recharge to prevent saltwater intrusion for numerous municipal water utilities. Lake Worth Drainage District encompasses roughly 200 square miles in southeastern Palm Beach County. LWDD is generally bordered on the west by the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, on the east by I-95, on the north by Okeechobee Boulevard and on the south by the Hillsboro canal. Included within the boundaries of LWDD are all or portions of 13 municipalities. Lake Worth Drainage District is supported by an annual non-ad valorem assessment, which is assessed per acre or portion thereof.