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The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) recently broke ground on a state-of-the-art drinking water laboratory at its Alexander Orr Jr. Water Treatment Plant in Kendall.
At nearly three times the current lab’s size, the new 12,000-square-foot facility will further the department’s work performing vital sampling and testing services — ensuring that the community’s drinking water meets and exceeds all local, state, and federal requirements for its 2.3 million customers, utilizing the most advanced methods.
The $7.5 million project will be constructed utilizing sustainable and resilient methods in addition to being a LEED-certified facility. Given its critical role in utility operations and ensuring water quality, the facility will meet Florida Building Code criteria to withstand severe hurricane and other climatic weather events to provide uninterrupted operations. The laboratory project is anticipated to be completed by June 2022.
Another noteworthy aspect of this project is a partnership between Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department and the Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs Department, resulting in an Art in Public Places component. Artists’ proposed plans are currently being reviewed for integration into the facility.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava toasted the groundbreaking event with the plant’s own H20.
“Our water is the best. Access to safe, reliable water has never been more at the front of our minds than these last 12 months during the pandemic — and this new state-of-the-art lab along with the incredible team at Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department will help us continue to ensure our water quality meets and exceeds all requirements,” Mayor Levine Cava said.
The additional space and hi-tech equipment also will allow the department to proactively dedicate space for a Metals Lab.
“This investment will allow staff to meet the requirements and sampling demands associated with the revised Lead and Copper Rule in advance of the designated date,” said WASD interim director Josenrique Cueto, PE “We are always looking for ways to be ahead of drinking water regulations so we can continue to provide excellent customer service to our 2.3 million customers.”
