Miami, Fla. – On a breezy, sunny morning, you’ll likely find Heather Smith paddling her transparent kayak through Biscayne Bay with Piper, her three-year-old French bulldog. This routine has become a cherished activity for Smith, a self-proclaimed nature enthusiast, who usually paddles near her job where she helped build one of the largest reclaimed water projects in Florida: the FPL Miami-Dade Clean Water Recovery Center (CWRC).
Nestled among the mangrove forests and barrier reefs beside Biscayne National Park, the CWRC recycles millions of gallons of Miami-Dade County’s wastewater. The wastewater, which otherwise would have been discarded into Biscayne Bay, is used to cool one of the natural gas plant’s units at Florida Power & Light Company's (FPL's) Turkey Point Clean Energy Center.
For five years, Smith’s background in biological science and operations was pivotal in bringing the CWRC project to life. As an operations leader, she has overseen its progression from concept to reality.
"From navigating environmental regulations to installing protective barriers for wildlife, every detail demanded careful attention," she said. "We are unique within FPL for having such a water treatment facility on-site.”
The CWRC is a prime example of FPL’s commitment to balancing the growing energy demand with the health of the communities it calls home. The natural gas plant at Turkey Point provides electricity to various homes and businesses across the state of Florida, one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.
"Seeing it all come together on the unveiling day brought chills. It was years in the making and a tremendous collaborative effort," Smith said.
The facility, developed in partnership with Miami-Dade County, plays a crucial role in managing water resources and supporting both wastewater and ecosystem management in Florida. It also helps Miami-Dade County meet reuse requirements under Florida’s Ocean Outfall Legislation.
The vast scale of the CWRC is reflected in its operations. Up to 15 million gallons of reclaimed water travels each day from the county’s South District Wastewater Treatment Plant to the CWRC through an 8.5-mile pipeline.
The water goes through several treatment stages, including the Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) basin, before it is used to cool the natural gas plant. This process conserves Florida's aquifer groundwater, highlighting cost-effectiveness in recycling and reusing treated wastewater.
"This project is momentous for us. It’s about more than meeting regulatory requirements. It’s about making a significant positive impact," Smith said. "We're helping conserve the aquifer, which is a remarkable accomplishment."
FPL’s endeavors in Miami-Dade County include diverse energy initiatives, from nuclear and natural gas to solar and microgrids as well as expanding electric vehicle charging networks and shore power – an innovative method allowing cruise ships to turn off their engines and plug into landside electrical power while docked at PortMiami.
To learn more, visit the FPL Miami-Dade Clean Water Recovery Center fact sheet.
