The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Jan. 21 to award a professional services contract for a Regional Alternative Source Water Study in east Lee County and Lehigh Acres.
South Florida Water Management District has identified potential overuse of the Sandstone Aquifer in the Lehigh Acres area, county officials said. In addition, new developments and increased demand for potable water is occurring along State Road 80 and State Road 82.
The study will include recalibration of hydraulic models, considering growth projections. The project includes a comprehensive water supply study to assess a sustainable water source for Lehigh Acres public water supply. The study will review and evaluate all components of the Lehigh Acres public water system, assess groundwater data and is inclusive of the installation of up to three clusters of test wells.
The $1.8 million professional services contract was awarded to Fort Myers-based engineering consultant Black & Veatch Corp. The study is expected to be completed in about 18 months.
