Utilities Division

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The Utilities Division of Public Works is responsible for maintaining and supporting the City’s water and wastewater infrastructure. The Division provides water to 176,000 Neighbors, 300,000 visitors, and six neighboring municipalities. It also manages and operates a wastewater system that collects and treats an average of 36.3 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater at the George T. Lohmeyer (GTL) Wastewater Treatment facility. Through Large User Agreements, the City provides treatment services for Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Port Everglades, and parts of Davie and Tamarac.

The Division is organized into three (3) operational sections to effectively meet the City’s strategic objectives and to provide essential water and wastewater services, including Distribution, Collections, and Treatment. The Distribution and Collection Sections are responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of the water distribution, wastewater collection, raw water wellfields, and pumping systems. The Treatment Section provides our Neighbors with safe and efficient water treatment, water production, and wastewater treatment and disposal.

Public Notices

Archived News

Cypress Creek Road at Powerline Road Closed for Water Main Repair
City crews have repaired a leak in a 12-inch water main.
September 13, 2024 4:16 PM
NE 6th Street Gravity Sewer Main Repair in Flagler Village
City crews are responding to a sewer overflow in a gravity sewer main on NE 6th Street just east of NE 3rd Avenue in Flagler Village.
September 10, 2024 6:00 AM
Water Treatment Plant Maintenance September 9-17: Change in Water Color Possible
City staff are performing maintenance at the Peele-Dixie Water Treatment Plant starting on Monday, September 9 through Tuesday, September 7.
September 05, 2024 6:00 PM
Birch Road Water Main Repair in Central Beach
City crews repaired a damaged water main at the intersection of Birch Road and Vistamar Street. Birch Road was open to local traffic only from Vistamar Street to Belmar Street & Vistamar Street was open to local traffic only from Birch Road to Breakers Avenue while repairs were underway.
August 27, 2024 12:00 PM
NE 38th Street Sewer Force Main Replacement Project
We're replacing 11,058 feet of sewer force main along NE 38th St. in the City of Oakland Park and the Coral Ridge Country Club Estates neighborhood and along NE 50th Ct. and NE 51st St. in the Coral Ridge Isles neighborhood.
August 22, 2024 6:00 PM
SE 1st Avenue Water Main Replacement Project in Downtown Fort Lauderdale
We're replacing 1,400 feet of aging and deteriorated water main along SE 1st Avenue from Broward Boulevard to the New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
August 12, 2024 5:12 PM
Water Treatment Plant Maintenance August 12-20: Change in Water Color Possible
City staff are performing maintenance at the Peele-Dixie Water Treatment Plant starting on Monday, August 12 through Tuesday, August 20.
August 08, 2024 2:30 PM
Water Service Line Material Inventory
The City of Fort Lauderdale is conducting a Water Service Line Material Inventory in response to new regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This project aims to identify the materials used in water service lines to determine if they are made of lead.
August 01, 2024 4:30 PM
Emergency Water Main Replacement Project in Downtown Fort Lauderdale
We're replacing aging water mains along N New River Drive E, SE 5th Avenue, SE 3rd Avenue, and SE 4th Street.
July 12, 2024 2:50 PM
NE 25th Avenue Sewer Force Main Replacement Project
We're replacing 10,000 feet of sewer force main along NE 25th Avenue from Commercial Boulevard to the Coral Ridge Country Club in the Coral Ridge Country Club Estates neighborhood.
July 11, 2024 4:00 PM
Precautionary Waterway Lifted for a Portion of the Intracoastal Waterway South of Las Olas Boulevard
Clean-up activities have been completed and water sampling in the affected area has demonstrated that the waterway meets the State’s surface water quality standards.
July 07, 2024 5:30 PM
UPDATE: Andrews Avenue Water Main Valve Replacement
Andrews Avenue was closed between NW/NE 6th Street and NW/NE 5th Street overnight on Thursday, June 27 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
June 28, 2024 7:00 AM
Vistamar Street Sewer Force Main Repair in Central Beach
City crews are responding to a damaged sewer force main near 2901 Vistamar Street. Vistamar Street is closed between Antioch Avenue and Orton Avenue while repairs are underway.
June 27, 2024 3:30 PM
Precautionary Waterway Advisory Lifted for a Portion of the Intracoastal Waterway Near Port Everglades
Clean-up activities have been completed and water sampling in the affected area has demonstrated that the waterway meets the State’s surface water quality standards.
June 20, 2024 3:30 PM
Precautionary Waterway Lifted for a Portion of the Intracoastal Waterway South of Sunrise Boulevard
Clean-up activities have been completed and water sampling in the affected area has demonstrated that the waterway meets the State’s surface water quality standards.
June 17, 2024 1:26 PM
Bayview Drive Gravity Sewer Main Repair in Coral Ridge
City crews are responding to a damaged gravity sewer main along Bayview Drive between NE 12th Street and NE 12th Court in Coral Ridge. Southbound Bayview Drive is closed in this area as of Thursday afternoon and both southbound and northbound Bayview Drive will be closed beginning Friday morning.
June 05, 2024 1:45 PM
Peele-Dixie Water Treatment Plant Back in Service
The Peele-Dixie Water Treatment Plant is back in service as of 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 2.
June 03, 2024 10:50 AM
Now Available: 2023 Water Quality Report
Learn about the City's water source, supply, treatment process, and more.
May 29, 2024 11:00 AM

Frequently Asked Questions About Precautionary Boil Water Notices

FAQs

What is a Precautionary Boil Water Notice?

A Precautionary Boil Water Notice (PBWN) is a public notification issued by the City of Fort Lauderdale, in consultation with the Broward County Health Department, advising citizens to boil tap water before consumption.

A PBWN is only issued after careful consideration by the City and the applicable regulatory agencies as a preventative measure to protect public health.
What is meant by "consuming" tap water?

"Consuming" means to drink tap water or use it to brush teeth; wash fruits, vegetables or other foods; or make ice. If a PBWN is issued, any tap water used for these purposes should be disinfected according to the guidelines below.
Other than citizens in Fort Lauderdale, who else might be affected by a PBWN?

The water produced by the City is also purchased by other municipalities. These municipalities include Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Oakland Park, Port Everglades, Village of Sea Ranch Lakes, Wilton Manors, and sections of Davie and Tamarac (east of State Road 7/441). As a result, a PBWN issued by the City may also apply to citizens in some or all of these municipalities.
Why would the City issue a PBWN?

A PBWN may be issued as a precaution to protect public health if the City's water system loses power and/or positive water pressure, or if power is temporarily interrupted. This would most likely occur during a hurricane, tropical storm, or other unforeseen weather event or emergency.
What are some reasons the water system could lose power or water pressure?

There are a variety of reasons why the water system may lose power or positive water pressure. For example, during a hurricane or tropical storm, water service may be interrupted when uprooted trees break water pipes or electrical power to a treatment plant is interrupted.

Scheduled maintenance and repairs to the distribution system may require water service interruptions and reduced water pressure; however, it is extremely rare for the City to issue a PBWN for these types of situations.
Why is positive water pressure important in the distribution system?

Positive water pressure in the distribution system helps minimize the potential of impurities entering the drinking water being delivered to homes and businesses.
What could happen if the water system loses pressure?

When positive water pressure is lost due to an unforeseen event, it is possible for impurities to enter the pipes and affect drinking water. These impurities may cause discomfort or illness if the water is consumed. While the odds of this happening are extremely low, to be extra cautious, a PBWN will be issued while routine bacteriological sampling is conducted. As a precaution, it is important to disinfect tap water before consumption to kill any impurities that may have entered the water, or to use an alternative source of water, such as commercially bottled water.
How can I disinfect drinking water if a PBWN is issued?
If a PBWN is issued, you should disinfect any water being used for consumption by using one of the methods below. As an alternative, you may use commercially bottled water for consumption and food preparation.

Boil the water - Bring the water to a rolling boil and let the water boil for a minimum of one minute.
Disinfect the water - If you cannot boil water, you may disinfect the water by doing the following:

Clear tap water
- If the water coming out of the tap is not cloudy, put eight drops (which is about 1/8 teaspoon) of unscented common household bleach that has 5 to 6 percent active ingredients into one gallon of tap water. A food grade container should be used.
- Shake the container to mix the water.
- Allow the water to stand for 30 minutes before consuming the water. The water may have a chlorine odor or taste.
Cloudy tap water
- If the water coming out of the tap is cloudy, put 16 drops (which is about 1/4 teaspoon) of unscented common household bleach that has 5 to 6 percent active ingredients into one gallon of tap water. A food grade container should be used.
- Shake the container to mix the water.
- Allow the water to stand for 30 minutes before consuming the water.The water may have a chlorine odor or taste.
Note: Using bleach to disinfect tap water will not kill parasites that may be present; however, boiling the water will kill the parasites.

Purify the water - Water may also be purified by using water purification tablets or iodine, which many sports and camping stores sell. Please follow the instructions on the package.
Do I still need to boil my water if I have a filter system on my faucet or refrigerator?

Most home filters are designed to improve the taste and/or odor of your water, not remove bacteria. Check with the faucet manufacturer for more information regarding your system. If there is ever any doubt, as a precaution, you should boil your water or use commercially bottled water even if you have a filtering system.
Can I still take a bath or shower when a PBWN has been issued?

Tap water may be used for taking showers or baths, shaving, and washing, as long as care is taken not to swallow or allow water to enter your eyes, nose, or mouth. Children and disabled individuals should have their baths supervised to ensure water is not ingested. The time spent bathing should be minimized.

Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who are immunosuppressed", have recent surgical wounds, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the PBWN is lifted. ("Individuals who are immunosuppressed may have weakened immune systems that make it more difficult for them to battle infections. For example, those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer or those receiving medications following an organ transplant may be immunosuppressed. If you are uncertain, please contact your physician for more information.)
Can I still wash dishes or laundry when a PBWN has been issued?

It is okay to wash laundry when a PBWN has been issued. Dishes may also be washed, but you should use hot, soapy water. As an extra precaution, you may add one tablespoon of unscented common household bleach to each gallon of dishwater used. Rinse dishes with boiled water.
What can business and other non-residential property owners do to help inform the public about a PBWN?

Businesses and non-residential sites can help inform the public by posting notices at or disabling water fountains and ice machines during the PBWN. If water is provided to visitors or employees, use commercially produced bottled water for drinking or beverage preparation (coffee). Food service operations have additional requirements from their regulatory agency.
How long will a PBWN be in effect?

The PBWN will remain in effect until further notice from the City. This can be a minimum of one day to several days while bacteriological tests are being conducted and repairs are being made to the system. The City will only lift the PBWN after all laboratory tests confirm the water quality meets or exceeds all required drinking water standards. A PBWN may be lifted in sections of the City, as pipes are cleared and the water is deemed okay to drink.
How can I find out if a PBWN has been lifted?

The City will issue an advisory when the PBWN is lifted. Citizens are encouraged to stay tuned to local radio and television stations for updates. The City will post information on the City's website at www.fortlauderdale.gov and citizens may also contact the 24-hour Customer Service Center at 954.828.8000 for information. Fort Lauderdale residents may also sign up for CodeREDT to receive emergency telephone notifications from the City. To sign up for CodeRED, please visit www.fortlauderdale.gov or call 954.828.8000.
Are there any precautions I should take once the PBWN is lifted?

Yes, after the PBWN is lifted you should flush your household pipes, water fountains, etc. prior to drinking or cooking with tap water. Flushing means simply letting cold water run through the pipes for a minimum of one minute to ensure that no potentially contaminated water remains inside the pipes.

Please dispose of any ice made during the PBWN. If you have an automatic ice maker, allow the ice maker to make three batches of ice and then discard that ice. Ice made before the PBWN was issued is okay to consume. However, if in doubt, discard the ice and make a new batch.
Who may I contact for additional information about PBWNs?

You may contact the City of Fort Lauderdale's 24-hour Customer Service Center at 954.828.8000 or online at www.fortlauderdale.gov/customerservice. You may also contact the Broward County Health: Department at 954.467.4700, ext. 4231.
How can I learn more about Fort Lauderdale's drinking water?

For more information about the City of Fort Lauderdale's drinking water, please visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/wqr and read the most recent annual Water Quality Report.

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Utilities Division

Public Notices

Cypress Creek Road at Powerline Road Closed for Water Main Repair

NE 6th Street Gravity Sewer Main Repair in Flagler Village

Water Treatment Plant Maintenance September 9-17: Change in Water Color Possible

Birch Road Water Main Repair in Central Beach

NE 38th Street Sewer Force Main Replacement Project

SE 1st Avenue Water Main Replacement Project in Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Water Treatment Plant Maintenance August 12-20: Change in Water Color Possible

Water Service Line Material Inventory

Emergency Water Main Replacement Project in Downtown Fort Lauderdale

NE 25th Avenue Sewer Force Main Replacement Project

Precautionary Waterway Lifted for a Portion of the Intracoastal Waterway South of Las Olas Boulevard

UPDATE: Andrews Avenue Water Main Valve Replacement

Vistamar Street Sewer Force Main Repair in Central Beach

Precautionary Waterway Advisory Lifted for a Portion of the Intracoastal Waterway Near Port Everglades

Precautionary Waterway Lifted for a Portion of the Intracoastal Waterway South of Sunrise Boulevard

Bayview Drive Gravity Sewer Main Repair in Coral Ridge

Peele-Dixie Water Treatment Plant Back in Service

Now Available: 2023 Water Quality Report

Frequently Asked Questions About Precautionary Boil Water Notices

FAQs