UTILITIES-
WATER
In 1977, Cape Coral became the first municipality in the United States to use the reverse osmosis process on a large scale with an initial operating capacity of 3,000,000 US gallons (11,000 m3) per day. By 1985, due to the rapid growth in population of Cape Coral, the city had the largest low pressure reverse osmosis plant in the world, capable of producing 15 MGD (56,780 m³/day).
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The City of Cape Coral operates water and sewer systems for the city. Sewage is collected and highly treated to produce reclaimed water, locally known as "rescued water". Reclaimed water is distributed throughout the city through a dual water pipe system, and used for irrigation. Alternatively, reclaimed water can be discharged into the Caloosahatchee River.
Summary of City’s Public Utility System
Potable Water System
➢ Raw water supply wells: 55
➢ Raw transmission mains: 28 miles
➢ Water treatment plants: 2
â–ª North Reverse Osmosis WTP -
permitted capacity,12.0 MGD
â–ª Southwest Reverse Osmosis WTP -
Permitted capacity,18.1 MGD
➢ Storage and repump stations: 2
â–ª Palm Tree storage tank (2 MG) and
repump station (four 1,500 GPM
pumps)
â–ª Van Loon storage (1 MG) and
repump station (two 1,000 GPM
pumps)
➢ Potable water transmission &
distribution mains: 908 miles
➢ Fire hydrants: 4,288
➢ Potable water meters: 68,575
➢ Deep Injection Wells: 3
Wastewater System
➢ Gravity sewers: 737 miles
➢ Manholes: 11,444
➢ Lift stations: 312
➢ Master Pump Stations: 24
➢ Force mains: 205 miles
➢ Water reclamation facilities: 2
â–ª Everest Parkway WRF - permitted
capacity, 13.4 MGD
â–ª Southwest WRF - permitted
capacity, 15.0 MGD
➢ Deep Injection Wells: 3
IQ Water System
➢ Everest WRF IQ System:
â–ª Two 5 MG storage tanks
â–ª Four 5,000 GPM Reuse pumps
➢ Southwest WRF IQ System:
â–ª Three 5 MG storage tanks
â–ª Four 4,600 GPM and one 2,000 GPM
Reuse pumps
➢ Canal pump stations: 5 (85.2 MGD
pump rated capacity)
â–ª CPS 2
â–ª CPS 3
â–ª CPS 4
â–ª CPS 5
â–ª CPS 8
➢ North – South Transfer Station
➢ Transmission & distribution mains: 780
miles
➢ Fire hydrants: 839
Utilities Administration Organizational Chart
The Utilities Administration Division manages the
overall utility operations and holds responsibility for
management of capital assets and the development of
long-term plans. These plans are implemented by the
Utilities Administration Division, through utility
construction projects, to provide for existing and future
customer utility services. Other responsibilities of the
Utilities Administration Division include the preparation
of permitting applications, grant applications and interlocal
agreements; and the review and oversight of
development projects in coordination with agencies
such as the South Florida Water Management District
(SFWMD), the US Geologic Survey (USGS), the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and
other State and Federal agencies to ensure all
regulatory requirements are met.
Collection/Distribution Division Organizational Chart
Wastewater Collection System: The wastewater
collection system requires operation and maintenance
of the gravity sewer network (including gravity sewers
and manholes) and force the main network. The repair of any
leaks and major line breaks, new installations, and existing
line inspections, and manhole repairs and restorations
are included in the wastewater collection system
upkeep.
Canals
The city has over 400 miles (640 km) of canals. Most of the canals are navigable and some have access to the Gulf of Mexico. Cape Coral's canal system is so extensive that local ecology and tides have been affected.
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Cape Coral's 400-mile (640 km) canal system provides many residents with waterfront living with access to the Gulf of Mexico via the broad Caloosahatchee River and Matlacha Pass. The Parks and Recreation Department maintains three public boat launching facilities. The Gulf of Mexico provides access to smaller tropical islands, rookeries, and sports fishing grounds.
