Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava celebrates historic wastewater modernization efforts at Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant (CDWWTP)

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, joined by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado (D7),  Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) Deputy Director Marisela Aranguiz-Cueto, and representatives from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), celebrated the completion of the new Thickening and Dewatering Facilities at WASD’s Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant (CDWWTP), a significant milestone in the County’s historic wastewater infrastructure modernization efforts.

The project is a key component of WASD’s $8.9 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP), one of the largest water and wastewater infrastructure programs in Florida, and represents the largest completed construction contract in the Department’s history when combined with similar upgrades at the South District Wastewater Treatment Plant.

“These critical improvements demonstrate the importance of future-proofing our infrastructure,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “Through our historic Capital Improvement Program, we are making smart, forward-looking investments that protect public health, strengthen climate preparedness, and ensure reliable wastewater service for our residents.”

Benefits from these upgrades include environmental protection for the community.
“This investment is about protecting our community and our bay at the same time,” said Commissioner Raquel Regalado, whose district includes the CDWWTP. “By modernizing this facility, we’re eliminating odors, safeguarding Biscayne Bay, and ensuring infrastructure keeps up with the future of Miami-Dade.”

The new facilities significantly improve operational efficiency by reducing waste processing time from days to seconds through the introduction of advanced centrifuge and gravity belt thickener technology, the largest centrifuge installations in the State of Florida. The upgraded system produces a denser, more manageable material.

“These facilities are capable of processing nearly 530,000 pounds of waste material per day,” said Chief Utilities and Regulatory Services Officer Roy Coley. “The upgraded system reduces hauling requirements, lowers operational costs, and supports compliance with federal environmental standards, advancing our Consent Decree project completion.”

The project also features enclosed operations and flood-resistant elevated structural design to strengthen reliability and long-term performance.

“These facilities represent a major advancement in how we manage and treat wastewater in Miami-Dade County,” said WASD Director Jay J. Fink, P.E. “With the Mayor’s leadership and support, our teams are delivering projects that improve reliability, efficiency, and environmental protection, supporting a future-ready utility and ensuring we can serve our community today and for decades to come.” 

The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department remains committed to providing safe, reliable water and wastewater services to its customers. For additional information about Department services and programs, visit the WASD website.