Conquest Engineering was selected as contractor for the project from a field of ten bidders.  The project will consist of installing a reclaimed water distribution system of “purple pipes,” so named because of the lavender color used to distinguish them from pipes used for potable water and those used for wastewater, or sewage.  Once the Notice to Proceed for the project has been issued, the contractor will have 90 days to complete the construction of the pipeline, according to the contract. 

The pipes will convey reclaimed water from Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department’s (WASD) Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant on Virginia Key to various green spaces throughout Key Biscayne, which are currently irrigated with potable water.  Some of the places reclaimed water will most likely be used include Key Biscayne parks and green areas, and the Crandon Golf Key Biscayne public golf course. 

The State of Florida encourages utilities to provide reclaimed water to displace demand for the State’s dwindling fresh water resources.