Project Background:

The City of Venice owns and operates one Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant (WTP) that serves approximately 26,000 residents and businesses from its location near the Intracoastal Waterway.

The current WTP site is located within the Zone A evacuation level flood zone, having building first floor elevations at 9 feet above Mean Sea Level.  During Hurricanes Ian (2022) and Idalia (2023), the WTP property received historic amounts of rainfall causing the Intracoastal Waterway to rise above its banks and come within inches of flooding the WTP and putting potable water services for the entire City at risk.  Based on the projected storm surge, the WTP was required to shutdown for operations staff safety during Hurricane Milton (2024).

Completion of a Master Plan will be the first step pursued to establish current and future water system needs and determine if the existing WTP property can meet the City’s long term needs.  Also, a Feasibility Study is being developed to evaluate the best available option that meets all the requirements established in the Master Plan (including, but not limited to, evaluation of the City purchased property at 1795 E. Venice Ave).

If relocation of the WTP appears to be required, then several important conditions must be met for any potential new site other than flooding concerns.  One such requirement is to meet certain proximity requirements by locating the WTP in a centralized area of the City and the existing water distribution system.

Project Benefits:

Protecting the public health by providing safe drinking water 24 hours a day during normal operations and catastrophic events.

Strategic Plan Goals:

• Upgrade and Maintain City Infrastructure and Facilities
• Keep Venice Beautiful and Eco Friendly
• Provide Efficient, Responsive Government with High Quality Services 

Project Schedule:

Master Plan Start  4th quarter 2024