Town of Davie Water Treatment & Water Reclamation Facility Project – Phase II, Construction Services

Cost: $101.9 million
Location: Davie, Fla.
Year: 2011-12-14
Size: 9.5 mgd
Owner: Town of Davie, Fla., Utilities Department
Designers: AECOM
Contractor: Crom Corp.; Dunkelberger Eng. & Testing; Encore Construction Co.; Florida Design Drilling Corp.; Gulf Building; Metro Equipment; Miller Legg; Sinns & Thomas Electrical Contractors Inc.; Triple R Paving; Youngquist Bros. Inc.; Zager Plumbing & Solar Inc.

The town of Davie, Fla., was established in the early 1900s. At present, the utilities department handles the water and wastewater needs of more than 30,000 residents; by the year 2030, that number is expected to skyrocket past 90,000 customers.

To date, a number of water treatment plants (WTPs) in south Florida have been able to draw freshwater from the Biscayne Aquifer, which covers roughly 4,000 sq miles. Raw water wells connected to this aquifer commonly sit at a depth of 100 to 150 ft.

The South Florida Water Management District, however, recently capped the amount of water that could be extracted from the source. As a result, any new facilities would have to draw brackish water from the Floridan Aquifer at a depth of approximately 1,400 ft. Construction began on the new WTP and water reclamation facility (WRF) in November 2010.

While planning the project and through all phases thus far, sustainability has been a driving force behind decision-making. Each facility, when completed, will employ cutting-edge technology to treat incoming wastewater. Reverse osmosis technology will be used at the WTP, with Aerex providing the system.

The WRF posed an additional challenge, as it needed to be in close proximity to its potential users, which include golf courses and educational institutions. Consequently, the site chosen was fairly small. To minimize the new facility’s footprint in the area, membrane bioreactor technology will drive the treatment process.

When the complex is complete—the expected finish date is in August 2013—it will encompass the WTP and WRF, an administrative building, two odor control facilities and a small “pocket park” open to the public.

“The project presents us with a challenging and professionally satisfying opportunity to provide our valued client with innovative, state-of-the-art, world-class facilities to serve the citizens of the community well into the future,” said Brian Stitt, project manager. “It will also advance the town’s goals of sustainability through water reuse and will conserve valuable water resources in an environmentally sensitive area.”

Project Year: 2011-12-14Contractor: Crom Corp.; Dunkelberger Eng. & Testing; Encore Construction Co.; Florida Design Drilling Corp.; Gulf Building; Metro Equipment; Miller Legg; Sinns & Thomas Electrical Contractors Inc.; Triple R Paving; Youngquist Bros. Inc.; Zager Plumbing & Solar Inc.Designers: AECOMOwner: Town of Davie, Fla., Utilities DepartmentLocation: Davie, Fla.Cost: $101.9 millionSize: 9.5 mgd