Officials ask Florida Keys residents to conserve water

A water main break in Monroe County has affected the water reserves for residents in the Florida Keys, officials said. (Monroe County)

FLORIDA CITY, Fla. – Officials were asking Florida Keys residents on Monday to conserve water after last week’s leak depleted the area’s water reserves.

Greg Veliz, the executive director of The Florida Keys Aqueduct, released a statement announcing the reduction of output from the Florida City plant.

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“No conservation is too small,” Veliz wrote. “This includes less time running irrigation systems, faucets, showers, washing of boats, vehicles, etc.”

A water main break on Wednesday night in Tavernier caused the closure of four schools, two courthouses, and several businesses on Thursday due to water pressure issues.

Officials reported repairing the water main break at Mile Marker 92 on Thursday afternoon and issued boil water orders on Friday at eight schools in Marathon, Tavernier, Key Largo, Islamorada, and Big Pine Key.

Here is the list of schools:

  • Coral Shores High School at 89901 Old Hwy., in Tavernier
  • Plantation Key School at 100 Lake Rd., in Tavernier
  • Ocean Studies Charter School at 100360 Overseas Hwy., in Key Largo
  • Treasure Village Montessori School at 86731 Overseas Hwy., in Islamorada
  • Marathon High/Middle School at 350 Sombrero Beach Rd.
  • Stanley Switlik Elementary School at 3400 Overseas Hwy., in Marathon
  • Big Pine Academy at 30220 Overseas Hwy., in Big Pine Key
  • Sugarloaf School at 255 Crane Blvd., in Upper Sugarloaf Key

About the Author

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

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