Miramar city manager cuts the ribbon on new water treatment lab named after him
A new water treatment lab opened on the West Water Treatment Plant property Thursday, Oct. 16.
The plant currently tests and treats drinking water and wastewater for the City of Miramar, and the new lab was named after City Manager Roy L. Virgin, the former director of utilities. He started his time in the city’s utilities department as a lab technician.
The city approved a five-year extension of Virgin’s contract at a regular commission meeting the night before the treatment lab’s ribbon cutting.
In attendance were a group of utilities workers, Virgin’s family, Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne, the city commissioners, Assistant City Manager Shaun D. Gayle and Broward County Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis.
The city also named the Multi-Service Complex after Davis in August.
The Dr. Roy L. Virgin West Water Treatment Lab is a Florida Department of Health certified environmental laboratory that analyzes drinking water, domestic wastewater, and solid and chemical materials for the Miramar utilities department, according to the event pamphlet.
It analyzes over 20,000 samples a year for both the east and west water treatment plants, the wastewater reclamation facility and the Miramar distribution system.
The West Water Treatment Plant is currently the subject of an ongoing class action lawsuit from a group of Miramar residents, due to reports of copper pipe damage .
The suit alleges that water from this plant was not properly treated and caused damage to over 1,000 residents’ pipes. The city is currently offering loans to residents affected by copper pipe pinhole leaks.
Miramar Commissioner Maxwell Chambers told the Miramar News that if residents pay attention, they will see the truth of the situation.
“From what I know and what I see, I know we are in compliance,” he said, citing conversations with Virgin and his own tours of the facilities.
Lab Division Director Shelanda Krekreghe expressed her appreciation for her former director.
“He was not afraid to tell us if we were wrong or needed to improve. Dr. Virgin’s high standards became our high standards for ourselves,” she said.
Virgin accepted plaques honoring his public service and the naming of the building, and thanked everyone for attending.
“I say to you my fellow employees, whatever position you’re in … Give it your best, because that is the only thing you have to stand on,” he said.
Virgin said he checks on the plant at least once a week to see how testing is going.
This story was originally published October 16, 2025 at 5:34 PM.
