Miami-Dade approves $17.3m boost for water treatment polymers amid safety assurances

Miami-Dade approves $17.3m boost for water treatment polymers amid safety assurancesThe Board of County Commissioners authorized a five-year extension for its polymer procurement pool, with utility staff confirming an ongoing study to optimize chemical dosing across its treatment plants.

The board approved an additional $17.39 million for the water treatment polymer prequalification pool, bringing the cumulative total to $30.55 million.

A commissioner raised concerns regarding the biodegradability of synthetic polymers and their potential presence in the final drinking water supply.

Utility staff clarified that different, specifically approved polymers are used for drinking water versus wastewater to coagulate and settle suspended solids.

Miami-Dade is currently conducting a study to evaluate the most efficient use of polymers to ensure accurate prescribed dosing.

On March 3, 2026, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a five-year time extension and up to $17.39 million in additional expenditure authority for its water treatment polymer prequalification pool. The approval increases the total modified cumulative pool amount to $30.55 million for the Water and Sewer Department. During the meeting, the commissioner from District 6 raised public health concerns regarding the use of potentially non-biodegradable synthetic polymers in the treatment process. Specifically, the commissioner questioned what safeguards are in place to ensure the chemicals are completely removed before drinking water reaches residents' homes. A staff member explained that the polymers are utilized to coagulate suspended solids in both water and wastewater treatment processes. The chemicals cause solid particles to settle out in tanks, allowing the clarified water to continue through additional treatment and ultimate disinfection before being discharged or entering the water distribution system. Addressing the distinction between facilities, staff confirmed that the utility does not use the same polymers for wastewater as it does for drinking water. Each chemical is evaluated and specifically approved for its exact application within a given treatment train. Furthermore, staff revealed that Miami-Dade is currently undergoing a study to evaluate the most efficient use of polymers across its facilities. The study aims to ensure the utility only applies the exact prescribed amounts needed for optimal treatment.