The Christmas Day pipeline leak was a significant incident that caused a drop in water pressure from Islamorada to Key West. FKAA announced a precautionary boil water notice for all homes and businesses in the affected areas. The boil water notice was in effect until noon Sunday.

The leak was a transmission main break at MM87. While the new pipeline is in the ground on Plantation Key, it is not yet in use.  

While little information has been provided by FKAA it is usually during the busiest times when the pipeline leaks occur.  In the past we have been told the leaks are a result of the pipeline being near its capacity to provide sufficient water during busy times. The water is under pressure to force it to the furthest locations in Key West.

Lessons learned - concerns remain.  The new pipeline project, 130 miles of 36” pipe, is expected to take about 15 years.  So far the pipe has been installed on Upper Matecumbe and Windley Key.  Plantation Key is progressing ahead of schedule.  When Plantation Key is completed, about 12 miles of the 130 miles of pipeline will be completed at a cost of about $10 million per mile.