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Leesburg Water Plant Receives Award

Leesburg Water Plant Receives Award

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For immediate release:  May 30, 2019
Contact:  Office of the City Manager
                   352-728-9786 x. 1100
                   citymanager@leesburgflorida.gov


Leesburg water treatment plant receives award

     LEESBURG, FL - Leesburg’s Water Department received the 2018 “Most Improved Water Treatment Plant - Class C” award from the American Water Works Association Florida Section for the city’s Plantation facility. The award was presented to Chief Operator Al Purvis at  Unknown Image the Florida Resources Conference Awards luncheon on April 15 and recognizes the city’s efforts to improve the community’s water quality and sustain the water pressure throughout the system, which promotes a better quality of life.

     In selecting this facility as most improved, the AWWA reviewed several items. The utility had to submit an application with information on water quality, bacteriological test results, chlorine and contaminant levels. The application also asks for information on the plant’s maintenance, safety programs and operator training.

     The city purchased the plant from the Planation at Leesburg community in 2006.  Originally built in 1985 and upgraded in 2000, the plant routinely received complaints about low water pressure. Along with interim fixes to improve pressure, the City worked closely with the homeowners association and residents to improve water conservation efforts in the community and reduce the daily demand on the plant. 

     To permanently resolve the pressure issue, a project to upgrade the plant started in June 2015 and was finished in August 2016. Improvements included a new 800,000 gallon storage tank and associated water line, refurbishment of existing wells and a new building to house four new pumps along with a motor control room and disinfection system. A back-up generator ensures the facility can operate at maximum demand during emergencies. Unknown Image

     “Our staff is committed to providing the most cost-effective, safe and highest quality drinking water to our residents,” said Chief Operator Al Purvis. “This award recognizes our team’s effort toward this goal and marks a notable accomplishment for Leesburg’s water utility.”

     The $3.3 million project, which was finished on time and under budget, successfully stabilized water pressure during peak demand times and will serve the community well into the future.

Leesburg is a progressive city of more than 23,000 residents in northwest Lake County. The city government serves twice as many people with its electric, gas, water and wastewater public utilities. Leesburg is also a central hub for commerce, attracting 50,000 people to work each weekday. For more information, visit www.leesburgflorida.gov. 

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