Islamorada Manager Reports Water Line Break, Wastewater Fix Plans

Village Manager Ron Saunders told listeners on Good Morning Keys (Keys Talk 96.9/102.5) that a water main in Islamorada broke on December 26 and was repaired the following day, but crews continued working to restore full flow and address pressure issues across the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority took the lead in stabilizing service, and village staff monitored lingering impacts that had prompted reduced pressure and boil-water advisories in some areas.

Saunders said the break occurred on older pipe that has not yet been replaced in certain locations, underscoring persistent infrastructure vulnerabilities. He reported ongoing wastewater projects and described an agreement with engineers to develop a plan to address repeated breaks and spillages that have occurred over the last five to six years. The chronology of recurring failures, Saunders said, has pushed the village to examine both capital repairs and operational funding.

To that end, Islamorada is conducting a wastewater rate study to determine whether current rates cover the system’s costs. Saunders said the wastewater system has been operating at a deficit, and the study will inform any adjustments needed to stabilize operations and support planned infrastructure work. The village will provide a wastewater update during its regular council meeting on January 6, when residents will have an opportunity to hear specifics about timelines, budgets, and the engineering plan.

Beyond water and wastewater matters, Saunders discussed additional local issues. The village and the Monroe County School District are negotiating a new agreement governing Coral Shores High School's baseball field at Founders Park, replacing a longstanding arrangement. Council leaders also plan to form a seven-member Charter Review Commission to consider updates to Islamorada’s city charter, a move that could shape governance and local rules going forward.

Saunders discussed operational items such as holiday garbage collection scheduling adjustments and described ongoing efforts by the village to communicate with residents and engage state legislators about funding needs. For residents and businesses, the immediate concern is service reliability and public health related to water pressure and advisories; longer term, the rate study and engineering agreement will determine how quickly aging infrastructure is replaced and how costs are allocated.

With a council meeting scheduled January 6, the village is poised to present more concrete plans. The coming weeks will clarify budget implications, project timelines, and opportunities for public input as Islamorada moves to address repeated water and wastewater failures.