Does US Water Operate the Marathon FL Plant?

Marathon, Florida is a small, picturesque town located on the island of Key Vaca in the Florida Keys. With its turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and tropical climate, it's a popular vacation destination for many tourists. However, when it comes to its water supply, there have been some questions about who operates the Marathon FL plant.

The History of the Marathon FL Plant

The Marathon FL plant is owned by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA), which is responsible for providing drinking water to the Florida Keys. The plant was built in the 1950s, and over the years, it has undergone numerous upgrades and improvements to ensure that it meets federal and state regulatory standards.

In 2013, the FKAA decided to enter into a 15-year contract with a private company, US Water Services Corporation, to operate the Marathon FL plant. Under the terms of the contract, US Water is responsible for ensuring that the plant operates efficiently and effectively, and that the water that comes out of the plant meets all applicable regulatory standards. The contract also outlines specific performance targets that US Water must meet, and penalties if the company fails to meet them.

Why Did the FKAA Choose US Water?

The decision to contract with US Water was not made lightly. The FKAA conducted an extensive evaluation process to determine which company would be best suited to operate the Marathon FL plant. US Water was ultimately selected because of its experience in managing water treatment facilities, its track record of meeting regulatory standards, and its commitment to continuous improvement.

Since taking over the operation of the Marathon FL plant, US Water has implemented a number of changes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the plant. For example, the company has installed new equipment and upgraded existing equipment to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and improve the quality of the treated water. US Water has also implemented a comprehensive maintenance program to ensure that the plant is well-maintained and operating at peak performance.

The Benefits of Private Sector Involvement in Water Treatment

The involvement of the private sector in the operation of water treatment facilities like the Marathon FL plant can bring a number of benefits. Private companies have the expertise and resources to implement the latest technologies and best practices to improve water treatment efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, private sector involvement can help to reduce costs, increase accountability, and enhance responsiveness to customer needs.

However, it's important to note that there are also potential risks associated with private sector involvement in water treatment. Private companies may prioritize profits over environmental protection or public health, and they may be less transparent than public utilities in their decision-making processes. That's why it's critical to have clear regulations and oversight in place to ensure that private companies operate in the best interests of the public.

The Bottom Line

So, does US Water operate the Marathon FL plant? The answer is yes – at least for the next few years, until the contract with the FKAA expires. Since taking over the operation of the plant, US Water has made significant improvements to its efficiency and effectiveness, and has helped to ensure that the residents and visitors of Marathon have access to clean, safe drinking water.

However, the involvement of private companies in water treatment is a complex issue, with potential benefits and risks that must be carefully weighed. Ultimately, the key is to strike the right balance between public and private sector involvement, and to ensure that any private sector involvement is done in a well-regulated and transparent manner that protects the interests of the public.