Water being pumped into the Florida Keys is flowing through nearly 5 miles of new, larger pipe in Islamorada.
On July 29, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority announced the activation of new transmission line situated along U.S. 1 from MM 79.5 to Whale Harbor Channel at MM 84 in Islamorada.
Originally slated for completion in February 2025, this project is now entering its final phases. All 22,152 linear feet of new, 36-inch cathodically protected pipe were installed by crews. The project began in April 2023.
“I want to thank the top-notch crew that has been working since April 2023, 24/7, Monday through Friday, to keep this project moving six months ahead of schedule,” said Greg Veliz, executive director of the FKAA. “This 5-mile stretch of pipe in Islamorada is just one part of the legacy project to replace the entire 130-mile-long transmission main to ensure access to clean drinking water for many years to come.”
With two valves now being open to flow water through the new 36-inch main, the pipeline is activated for operation. Crews are working to wrap up the project with two planned 18-inch connections, master meter connections, restoration landscaping and paving.
The first water main project in the Keys cost approximately $42 million, with $20 million funded by grants and the balance funded through low-interest loans. The main in Islamorada was one of the most vulnerable sections of pipe. Work to replace the 1.5-mile stretch of main in Windley Key has already begun, and a water transmission project on Plantation Key will begin in fall 2024, FKAA says. More information on the project can be found at https://bit.ly/islamoradaproject or follow the FKAA on Facebook and Twitter. People can call FKAA customer service at 833-588-5865 or email community@fkaa.com. After-hours support is available at 305-296-2454.
