Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department saves $300 million while maximizing benefits of Ocean Outfall Legislation Program

The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) will provide the County with cost savings of more than $300 million by switching to newer, less expensive technologies that meet all federal requirements and optimizing equipment budgets through cooperative purchasing.

WASD is steadfast in its commitment to finding the most cost-effective, technically sound solutions for its projects. As a result, WASD has recently reduced total project costs for its Ocean Outfall Legislation (OOL) Program.

First, through a pilot program with project consultant Black & Veatch, WASD demonstrated that a newer, less expensive filtration technology would comply with all OOL regulations while providing significant savings at two of WASD’s wastewater treatment plants.

Next, by replacing low-speed generators with high-speed EPA Tier 4-certified generators at the South District Wastewater Treatment Plant, WASD could increase reliability and reduce emissions while saving on energy costs. Then, WASD procured the new generators through a cooperative purchase, which lowered the price of the equipment by aggregating the purchasing power of utilities across the country.

“We are always searching for ways to save our County and the taxpayers’ money while investing in our community’s infrastructure, and this latest effort by WASD is an exceptional example,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “The combined savings gained from using newer technologies and upgrading equipment at lower prices translate into reduced rate increases for WASD customers — all while preserving and protecting our environment now, and for generations to come.”

County Infrastructure, Operations, and Innovations Committee (CIOIC) Chairwoman Raquel Regalado (District 7) supports WASD’s latest cost-savings efforts.

“This work shows just how crucial innovation is to the bottom line,” said Regalado. “We truly appreciate the actions WASD is taking to control costs while complying with OOL regulations and continuing to provide top-notch services to County residents, businesses and visitors.”

The OOL Program was created by a statewide directive to reduce nutrient discharges to the ocean and promote water reuse alternatives that are technically and economically feasible. Since 2013, WASD engineers have diligently worked on several capital improvement projects associated with the OOL Program.

“Black & Veatch is very pleased that through innovation and the implementation of sustainable solutions, WASD will receive added value and significant cost savings that will ultimately benefit its customers, county residents, and the environment with the implementation of sustainable infrastructure projects that promote circular economy concepts,” said Black & Veatch Senior Process Specialist for the Southeast Region Lucas Botero.

WASD Director Roy Coley also highlights talented department employees as a critical component of the program’s on-going progress and success.

“The savings we’ve been able to obtain for the OOL Program are a direct result of the work of talented engineers and other dedicated WASD staff,” said Coley. “These $300 million serve as a testament that recruiting and retaining top water-sector talent pays off for our customers in the long run.”

To learn more about WASD’s efforts to reduce the costs of the OOL Program, visit https://www.miamidade.gov/global/water/ocean-outfall-legislation.page. To find out how to join the WASD team, visit https://www.miamidade.gov/global/humanresources/home.page.