The blue ocean meets the coast

Utility Infrastructure – Improvements & Implementation

Bal Harbour Village is investing in complete modernization of its underground utility systems to improve reliability, efficiency, and long-term service for our community. The project addresses critical needs in:

  1. Water Distribution
  2. Sanitary Sewer
  3. Stormwater
  4. Roadway and Surface Restoration

Project Scope and Description of Work

Water Distribution System

  • Replacement of all transmission and distribution lines throughout the Gated Community
  • Installation of new water meters for all properties
  • Backflow preventers added to irrigation meters to protect the potable water system
  • A new 12-inch HDPE water main on Collins Avenue (east side) was completed in 2019 as part of Phase 2 (b)

Sanitary Sewer System

  • Selective replacement of mains and manholes where needed
  • Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining applied to sewer pipes and manholes to extend service life and reduce groundwater intrusion
  • Pump Station 1 and new sanitary mains were completed with the Oceania Condominium
  • Ongoing sewer pipes rehabilitation and sectional repairs are carried out continuously since they have minimal traffic impact and are more cost-effective in larger zones

Stormwater System

  • Pipe repairs and selective replacements to restore drainage function throughout all Phases
  • Curbs and gutters removal and replacement to improve water conveyance (all Phases)
  • CIPP lining of stormwater pipes and structures throughout the Gated Community to limit groundwater intrusion and protect Biscayne Bay water quality
  • Refurbishment of an existing stormwater pump station and adjacent upgrades (Phase 7)

Roadways and Surface Restoration

  • After underground utility work is completed in each Phase:
    • Streets are milled and paved

Roadway restoration is coordinated under a separate agreement with the Bal Harbour Civic Association.

Project Phasing

The projects are divided into geographic Phases to minimize disruption:

  • Phases 1 & 2 – (new water main, Pump Station 1 and sanitary sewer main)
  • Phases 3–6 – Gated Residential Community divided into sub-phases (3a–d, 4, 5a–c, 6a–b) Work includes new water lines, meters, backflow preventers, new sewer main and rehabilitation pipes, stormwater repairs, and final road paving
  • Phase 7 – Refurbishment of an existing stormwater pump station and system upgrades
  • Phase 8 – Construction of a new Stormwater Pump Station

Why These Improvements Are Necessary

  • Much of Bal Harbour’s infrastructure was built in the 1940s and 1960s and is now well past its 50-year service life.
  • The Utility Master Plan, developed by Craig A. Smith & Associates and approved by the Village Council in 2015, identified deficiencies in capacity, aging systems, and the need to support modern demands.
  • Since 2017, the Village has refined the Master Plan approach, focusing on repair and reuse where possible while replacing critical infrastructure. This strategy reduces costs while ensuring long-term functionality.

Looking Ahead

  • Ongoing CIPP lining will continue across sanitary and stormwater systems.
  • Each completed phase will receive full surface restoration with new paving, curbs, and gutters.
  • The projects are designed not only to modernize infrastructure but also to protect Biscayne Bay water quality by preventing groundwater infiltration, ensuring stormwater meets environmental standards and, drinking water quality throughout the water system.

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