Key West gets new reverse osmosis plant to strengthen emergency water supply

KEY WEST, Fla. – A caller reverse osmosis h2o attraction installation is present unfastened successful the Lower Keys, providing a backup proviso of drinking h2o during emergencies and highest request periods.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Key West connected Monday to denote the opening of the Kermit H. Lewin Stock Island Reverse Osmosis Facility, a $47 cardinal desalination works designed to service Key West and surrounding communities erstwhile the main h2o pipeline is disrupted.

“Since 2019, we’ve committed implicit $80 cardinal to h2o prime and infrastructure successful the Florida Keys — with much to come," helium said.

The facility, which replaces an older works damaged during Hurricane Irma, was built utilizing elevated operation and storm-hardened materials to withstand aboriginal disasters. It volition stay connected standby for usage during emergencies alternatively than run daily.

DeSantis said that backing for the task included a $30.7 cardinal assistance from the Florida Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program, with the remainder covered by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority.

The concern is portion of a broader authorities effort to support infrastructure and h2o prime successful the Keys.

In April, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection awarded implicit $9 cardinal to Monroe County and section municipalities to enactment wastewater improvements, canal restoration, and stormwater upgrades.

Since 2019, authorities leaders accidental they’ve directed much than $80 cardinal to support the region’s situation and fortify resilience.

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