Coastal communities face mounting challenges from extreme weather, making resilient water infrastructure vital. A new seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) facility on Stock Island, Florida, is setting new standards in safeguarding water supplies. Designed to endure Category 5 hurricanes, flooding events, and rising sea levels, this state-of-the-art facility doubles the production capacity of its predecessor while significantly reducing energy consumption.
The article “Hurricane-proof SWRO nears completion” in a recent issue of Water Desalination Report highlights how this cutting-edge project brings advanced technology and smart engineering solutions to water treatment infrastructure.
Advanced SWRO Technology Powers the Florida Keys
The new SWRO plant replaces the Kermit H. Lewin RO Facility, which was originally commissioned in 1981 and served the Lower Keys with seawater desalination for several decades.
As project engineer, Carollo implemented a design featuring smaller feedwater pumps, which are more cost-effective and easier to install and maintain. Energy recovery devices further improve the plant’s performance, enabling a low energy consumption rate. These advancements demonstrate how desalination technology is evolving to be both efficient and resilient.
Climate-Ready Water Treatment for Coastal Communities
The new plant is built with resilience at its core. All treatment equipment is housed in a 16,400 ft² concrete building elevated 20 feet above the base flood elevation, protecting it from floods and storm surges. High-pressure piping made of super duplex stainless steel and fiberglass support frames allow the system to withstand the corrosive coastal environment.
To maintain operations during power outages, the facility includes a generator building with four diesel generators and storage tanks, providing uninterrupted water production even in the most severe conditions.
The Future of Sustainable Water Infrastructure
The upgraded SWRO plant delivers a reliable and sustainable water supply for the Florida Keys while addressing the challenges of climate change and extreme weather. By combining advanced SWRO technology with climate-ready infrastructure, the Florida Keys Imperiled Water Supply Rehabilitation Project sets a benchmark for resilient and sustainable water systems.
To explore the full story behind this innovative project, read the full article.