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

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, joined by County Commissioner Danielle Cohen-Higgins (D8), County Commissioner Raquel Regalado (D7), and Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) Director Jay J. Fink, P.E., celebrated the completion of the new Thickening and Dewatering Facilities at WASD’s South District Wastewater Treatment Plant (SDWWTP), a significant milestone in the County’s historic wastewater infrastructure modernization efforts.

“Miami-Dade is future ready. This project showcases what it means to future-proof 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.”

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.

“This investment brings meaningful improvements to our community,” said Commissioner Danielle Cohen-Higgins, whose district includes the South District Wastewater Treatment Plant. “By modernizing this facility, we are mitigating odors, improving operations, and ensuring essential infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our residents and environment.”

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.  Combined with similar upgrades at the Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant, it represents the largest completed construction contract in the Department’s history. 

“We are very excited to be inaugurating this facility at the South District Wastewater Treatment Plant, just a few weeks after we introduced this same process at the Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant,” said Commissioner Raquel Regalado. “The implementation of advanced technology and modernization at WASD’s sites will allow us to better serve our community.”

These new technologies and treatment processes will also assist with the plant’s operation as it responds to expanding capacities due to the County’s growing population.

“These facilities are capable of processing nearly 370,000 pounds of waste material per day,” said Chief Utilities and Regulatory Services Officer Roy Coley. “The upgraded system improves operational efficiency, reduces hauling requirements, lowers costs, and supports compliance with federal environmental standards as we continue advancing critical Consent Decree projects.”

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 high-quality, reliable water and wastewater services to its customers. For additional information about Department services and programs, visit the WASD website.