KEY WEST, Fla. — A new state-of-the-art seawater desalination facility has officially opened in the Lower Florida Keys, aiming to enhance water security for the region during emergencies. The Kermit H. Lewin Stock Island Reverse Osmosis Facility, located on Stock Island, is designed to provide clean drinking water to residents of Key West and surrounding areas when normal supplies are disrupted.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the facility’s opening this week, calling it a significant step in Florida’s broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure and disaster resilience.
The $47 million project was funded through a combination of a $30.7 million grant from the Florida Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program and matching funds from the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority.
“This new desalination plant will ensure a reliable source of clean drinking water for the Lower Keys when it’s needed most,” said DeSantis. “Since 2019, we’ve invested more than $80 million into water quality and infrastructure in the Florida Keys—and there’s more on the way.”
The facility replaces an earlier desalination plant that was damaged during Hurricane Irma. The new design includes storm-hardened features such as elevated construction and reinforced materials, enabling it to withstand future hurricanes and severe weather events. While the plant is not intended for everyday use, it will be activated during emergencies or times of high demand, such as disruptions to the pipeline from Florida City.
The project is part of a broader effort by the state to bolster environmental and infrastructure resilience across the Keys. Last month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection awarded more than $9 million through the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern Grant Program to support wastewater treatment upgrades, canal restoration, and stormwater improvements.
Officials say the new desalination facility will serve as a critical backup system, helping protect public health and maintain essential services during natural disasters.
