- July 17, 2026
City officials, engineers and contractors gathered Thursday morning to celebrate the groundbreaking of a $4.5 million reverse osmosis project that city leaders say will improve drinking water quality while protecting one of the area's most valuable natural resources.
The Bunnell Water Treatment Plant Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis Project will install a new 200,000-gallon-per-day reverse osmosis system at the city's water treatment facility on Utility Street. Once complete, the facility will allow Bunnell to fully utilize water from two brackish wells that previously could not be used.
City Manager Dr. Alvin Jackson said the project represents years of planning finally becoming reality.
"Today we're here to check the box on the brackish water reverse osmosis system," Jackson said. "It really marks a milestone for the City of Bunnell as we break ground right here for the brackish water reverse osmosis. It's about a $4.5 million investment."
Jackson credited the City Commission for adopting a comprehensive master utility plan in 2020 and investing in long-term infrastructure planning, a decision he said positioned the city to secure state funding for the project.
"We all went to work to ensure funding," Jackson said, thanking former House Speaker Paul Renner, Sen. Tom Leek's predecessor Travis Hutson, the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis for supporting the project through state funding.
Jackson said the project is about more than adding infrastructure.
"This project is really much more," he said. "It's about protecting one of the most valuable natural resources. By diversifying our water supply, we are preserving the freshwater aquifer and strengthening the reliability and resilience of our drinking water system and ensuring the city is better prepared for the future."
Mayor Catherine Robinson echoed that message, describing the investment as one that will benefit residents for generations.
"Today is more than breaking ground on a new facility," Robinson said. "It's about investing in the future of our community. Access to safe, reliable drinking water is one of the most important services a city can provide, and this project is a significant step toward ensuring that future generations continue to enjoy a dependable and sustainable water supply."
Following remarks, city officials, project partners and commissioners gathered with ceremonial shovels to officially break ground, marking another milestone in Bunnell's ongoing investment in critical infrastructure.
The project is expected to be completed later this year, providing the city with an additional, more resilient source of drinking water while helping preserve the freshwater aquifer for years to come.
