Mayor Bateman discussed a letter that was received from the South Florida Water Management District pertaining to the non-compliance of the City of Homestead in terms of water usage. He noted there was a need to educate the City residents on water conservation measures.
City Manager Gretsas stated the Director of Public Works had crafted a memorandum about the initiatives that had been taken pertaining to this issue.
He mentioned the City Public Works Department had been working
closely with the South Florida Water Management District to handle this issue.
He commented from a practical perspective the Public Works Director had been avoiding purchasing water from Miami Dade County because of
the cost. He explained as staff starts reducing the water pressure there will be complaints from residents.
He suggested at this point the City may have to start purchasing waterfrom the County which would bringthe City into compliance with the South Florida Water Management District.
Unfortunately it is going to be costly for the City. He pointed out as the City commercial areas have grown and the customers have increased there is additional demand on the water.
Public Works Director Julio Brea stated the City could decrease the water pressure to 20psi and the water pressure is currently at 36psi but this could be a problem because of the public expectation regarding the water pressure.
Does Anyone Like The Sound Of That?
Does Anyone Like The Sound Of That?
He explained the City has different projects such as mandating that low flow toilets have to be installed for all new construction and the City gives rebates to customers that change their toilets from regular flow to low flow not only toilets but also faucets and shower heads. These programs were implemented along with the District to try and curb the public behavior in terms of water usage.
Mayor Bateman stressed his emphasis on this issue was pertaining to water conservation. City Manager Gretsas stated the short term solution to getting the City water usage from the South Florida Management District into compliance would be to purchase water from the County along with an education campaign.
Councilman Shelley stated the City was working on a project for increasing its deep water injection which would avoid this problem. He asked staff what was the status of that project. Public Works Director Julio Brea stated those were some of the long term solutions that involved the waste water treatment.
He commented if the capacity of the treatment plant was increased then the City could recharge back down but that was also costly. He advised the City design engineers have generated reports for the Department of Environmental Protection which is the state agency that is in charge of the waste water treatment plant.
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