The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is wrapping up several pipeline projects while preparing for additional infrastructure improvements and a new reverse osmosis water treatment plant.
Executive Director Greg Veliz joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on with our water.
With Fantasy Fest bringing large crowds to Key West, the authority must be prepared for potential increases in water consumption. Demand can vary significantly from one year to the next, making it difficult to predict exactly how much additional water will be needed.
“When you have this many people, you got to anticipate that your demand’s going to go up dramatically,” Veliz said. “Some Fantasy Fests will be terrible, and obviously, if we were to have an event now like some of the ones that we’ve had in the past, that is inevitable that will happen again.”
Veliz said the authority’s water storage levels are currently full, and the system is operating in full-service mode.
He also discussed the effects of coastal flooding and heavy rain on wastewater operations in parts of the county served by the authority. Saltwater entering wastewater systems can disrupt the treatment process by affecting the chemistry at treatment plants.
“When that salt water gets into our system, it affects the chemistry at the plant,” Veliz said. “The saltwater intrusion is bad for us.”
He noted that even well-maintained systems can experience some intrusion, and excessive amounts can interfere with plant operations.
Meanwhile, the authority is making progress on infrastructure projects designed to improve the reliability of its aging water transmission system.
Work on a pipeline section at Knights Key is nearing completion. Veliz said the section was a particular concern because of the area’s geography and topography, which would make repairs difficult if the pipe failed.
The project encountered complications involving valves during preparations for the Seven Mile Bridge Run. Because the specialized equipment had to be manufactured, replacement valves took additional time to obtain.
“We’re done. We’re getting ready to put in sod, and we’ll be out of that area soon,” Veliz said.
The authority has also completed its work in Plantation Key and is finishing landscaping and paving there. Next, crews will turn their attention to the Snake Creek project, including work on the subsea crossing.
The projects are part of the authority’s continuing effort to replace aging water transmission pipes. Veliz said funding remains one of the biggest obstacles to completing the necessary work.
“We could work around the clock if we could, but the money is, you know, $10 million a mile,” he said.
The authority recently received an additional $17 million in grant funding that became available when another recipient did not use its allocation during a grant cycle. Veliz said the unexpected funding will help the authority continue its infrastructure improvements.
He said the authority plans to limit traffic disruptions during the upcoming holiday season, with construction generally avoided during that period unless emergency work is necessary.
Looking further ahead, the authority’s planned reverse osmosis plant is progressing, with permitting in place and the project moving through the bidding process. Veliz said the facility could begin producing water within the next few years.
The Stock Island plant is already contributing to the area’s water supply. Veliz said water demand has declined over approximately the past year, prompting the authority to monitor whether the trend continues.
“We’re actually now looking at having too much water, which is great. It’s a great problem to have. We’ll figure it out,” Veliz said.
However, he cautioned that one year of lower demand is not enough to establish a long-term trend or change future planning assumptions.
The authority will continue monitoring water use while investing in infrastructure intended to meet the Florida Keys’ future needs.
Veliz also encouraged residents to stay safe during the upcoming holidays and enjoy time with their families.
More information about the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is available at fkaa.com.