Local

Miramar needs outside help for water and sewer emergencies. Here’s what to know

By Reporting by Luisa Yanez. Produced with AI assistance
Miramar has nearly 7,000 manholes, which are essential underground access chambers in sewer and utility networks used for inspection, maintenance and ventilation.
Miramar has nearly 7,000 manholes, which are essential underground access chambers in sewer and utility networks used for inspection, maintenance and ventilation.

Miramar commissioners have approved hiring three outside companies to help maintain the city’s water and sewer system, especially to patch it up when emergencies occur.

Utilities supervisors told commissioners the additional manpower is needed because Miramar’s water and sewer system is “massive” and sometimes faces emergencies beyond what city crews have the expertise or specialized equipment to do on their own.

The tab to taxpayers for maintaining the three companies on call: $1 million a year.

Commissioner Maxwell Chambers expressed concern about one of the city’s most crucial departments requiring so much outside help. Commissioner Avril Cherasard wondered why the city needed so many companies.

“Three contractors doing three different things? How do they come into play?” Cherasard asked.

Ultimately, the full commission approved the expenditure by a 5-0 vote on Wednesday, April 1.

FULL STORY: Miramar plans $1 million emergency water and sewer repair contracts. Here’s why

In its proposal to commissioners, the utilities department detailed, by the numbers, the scope and breadth of the city’s water and sewer system. So how massive is it?

To serve what the city says is about 150,000 residents, Miramar maintains about 470 miles of water mains ranging from 6 to 30 inches in diameter. The city also maintains 8,772 water valves, 82 miles of sewer force mains, 275 miles of gravity sewer mains and 6,869 manholes.

Here is a by-the-numbers look at Miramar’s water and sewer system.
Here is a by-the-numbers look at Miramar’s water and sewer system.

Let’s break it down:

  • The system covers 470 miles of water mains, which represents the approximate distance from Miami to Orlando and back to Miami.
  • Miramar has 8,772 water valves, which sell for about $10 each and must be maintained.
  • It also has 82 miles of sewer force mains, which are pressurized pipes used to transport sewage from a lift station or pump station to a disposal point, such as a wastewater treatment plant. They must be maintained in tiptop shape to keep the system working.
  • It has 275 miles of gravity sewer mains, which are underground pipelines that transport wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment plants using natural gravity, rather than pumps. Ditto on maintenance.
  • And finally, the city has 6,869 manholes, which are essential underground access chambers in sewer and utility networks used for inspection, maintenance and ventilation.

The commission approve the three-prong contracts with Cacique Utilities, a Boynton Beach underground utility contractor; Plumber Mike’s Inc., a West Park plumbing company; and Foster Marine Contractors Inc., a Wellington-based marine construction firm.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.

This story was originally published April 3, 2026 at 8:33 AM.