Okaloosa County to hold Groundbreaking for State-of-the-Art Reclaimed Water Facility

Okaloosa County’s Water & Sewer Department is excited to announce that a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Shoal River Ranch Water Reclamation Facility (SRRWRF) will be held on Nov. 1, 2024, at 10 a.m., located at the corner of Jericho Road and U.S. Highway 90.

“Okaloosa County has steadily worked to improve infrastructure as our population grows,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “This new facility recognizes the forward-thinking of our Water & Sewer staff and it will provide the necessary sewer service required for residents in the area while also providing opportunities for businesses who may want to take advantage of the amenities at the Shoal River Ranch.”

The new facility is a major step forward in expanding wastewater treatment capacity for future needs in north Okaloosa County. The SRRWRF will include all the components of a state-of-the-art, modern plant, other related infrastructure needs, on-site effluent disposal, and future public access reclaimed water for irrigation and industrial use.  This environmental project will allow for new subdivisions in this portion of the County to be on public sewer, as opposed to septic tanks.   

The initial phase will have the capacity to process 1.25 million gallons per day of wastewater, with some of the components having a higher capacity, to allow for easier expansion in the future.  The overall program also includes a site access road, along with extensions of water, sewer, and fiber lines. 

The $40.8 million plant has multiple funding sources, including federal and state grants and a generous state legislative appropriation. The new plant will be built on 20 acres of designated property at the Shoal River Ranch.

The plant is expected to be completed in late 2026.