New Reverse Osmosis Plant Enhances Water Resilience in Key West

By Guy deBoer

KEY WEST, Fla. – In a significant stride toward bolstering the Florida Keys’ infrastructure resilience, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the opening of the Kermit H. Lewin Stock Island Reverse Osmosis Facility on May 5, 2025. This state-of-the-art seawater desalination plant is designed to provide clean drinking water to Key West and the Lower Keys during emergencies, particularly when the primary water supply from Florida City is compromised.

The $47 million project, funded through a $30.7 million grant from the Florida Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and supplemented by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA), replaces a previous plant damaged during Hurricane Irma in 2017. Constructed with elevated design and storm-resilient materials, the facility is built to withstand future severe weather events.

“Since 2019, we’ve committed over $80 million to water quality and infrastructure in the Florida Keys—with more to come,” Governor DeSantis stated during the inauguration.

The facility will remain on standby, activated during emergencies or peak demand periods, ensuring continuous water service when the 127-mile transmission pipeline from Florida City is disrupted. This initiative is part of a broader state effort to enhance the region’s resilience to climate change and hurricanes.

In addition to the reverse osmosis facility, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded over $9 million through the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern Grant Program for wastewater treatment upgrades, canal restoration, and stormwater improvements.

The Kermit H. Lewin Stock Island Reverse Osmosis Facility is a testament to Florida’s commitment to protecting its communities and ensuring the sustainability of vital resources in the face of environmental challenges.

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