Kermit H. Lewin Stock Island Reverse Osmosis Facility (SIRO) Project

What are we doing? 

 

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) plans to construct a new seawater desalination water treatment plant that has a capacity of four (4) million gallons per day.  The water treatment plant will be located at 7000 Front Street, Key West Florida, 33040. The water treatment plant will only supply water during emergencies when the normal potable water supply from Florida City is interrupted or during periods when the demand for potable water in the Lower Keys exceeds the capacity of the pipeline.  

This project will benefit the local community, including approximately 16,000 residents with low and moderate incomes, by providing a reliable water supply necessary for public health and economic activity. The estimated capital cost for this project is $47,904,098.86. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is providing a Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery in the amount of $30,678,750, and the remaining $17,225,348.86 will be funded by FKAA.   Construction is planned to start on October 27, 2021, and will continue through June 2025.

The new water treatment plant will be located in a cleared area immediately north of the existing water treatment plant.  The water treatment equipment will be housed in an elevated one-story building having approximately 16,400 square feet (82 feet by 200 feet).  The building will be constructed of either concrete block or poured concrete and have an architectural design similar to the existing building.  The building will be located within the interior of FKAA’s existing parcel, which is behind a secured fence and will not be visible to the public from the road.  However, since the water treatment plant is located near the shore, it will be visible from the water.


Why does it have to be replaced?

 

The existing SIRO was damaged during Hurricane Irma and the Authority recognized the need to replace it with a new 4 MGD system to serve the needs of the Lower Keys in the event of disruption of water supply from Florida City.   

The New Kermit H. Lewin Stock Island Reverse Osmosis Facility will provide a reliable alternative resource in the southernmost portion of the FKAA service area to increase the Authority’s ability to become more resilient.  


What is the project timeline?

Construction on the project began October 2021 and is expected to be completed by June 2025.

How much will this project cost?

The Kermit H. Lewin Stock Island Reverse Osmosis Facility Project will cost approximately $47 million. The project will be partially funded by The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity through Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery funds in the amount of $30,678,750.

How can I receive project updates?

 

Project updates can be provided by contacting Christie Martin – cmartin@fkaa.com 


Fraud Reporting

The fraud hotline email is siro@fkaa.com. For any comments, issues or complaints concerning this project, please contact the email provided and we will respond within 7 business days. Thank you. 


CDBG-DR (SIRO) Project Information:

Hurricane Infrastructure Repair Program

Current Construction Contracts: