ECUA Begins Phase 2 of Pensacola Beach Reclaimed Water Main Project

Road Work Underway Through March 2026 to Expand Sustainable Reuse Water System

The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) is pleased to announce the start of Phase 2 of the Pensacola Beach Reclaimed Water Main Project, with construction beginning on September 22, 2025, following the Labor Day weekend. This phase of the $4.5 million project, led by contractor Quality Enterprises USA, aims to expand the reclaimed water infrastructure across Pensacola Beach, supporting long-term environmental sustainability and conservation.

The project includes the installation of:

• A 16-inch reclaimed water distribution main
• A 12-inch reclaimed water transmission main
• A new 12-inch potable water main

Pipelines will run from Fort Pickens Road to the ECUA water tanks near the Pensacola Beach tollbooth, with the potable water main installed from Alvin’s Island to the water tanks. The project is expected to be completed by early March 2026, ahead of the Spring Break season.

Anticipated Road Closures and Construction Timeline

To safely complete this work, the following lane closures and sidewalk detours will be implemented in phases:

1. 12" Water Main Installation (Alvin’s Island to Quietwater Beach Rd. Intersection)

Timeline: Late September and October

• Crews will install water main beneath the north sidewalk of Via de Luna.
• The outside lane and adjacent north sidewalk will be closed in 500-foot sections.
• Pedestrians will be detoured to the south sidewalk.
• Closures will remain in place until each segment is completed.
   

2. 12" Water Main (Quietwater Beach Rd. Intersection to ECUA Water Tanks)

Timeline: October to December

• Work will shift to the center turn lane on Pensacola Beach Rd.
• Inside lanes on both sides of Pensacola Beach Rd. will be closed in 500-foot segments.
• The first 1,000 feet of work will require closing the left turn lane on Ft. Pickens Rd.
• A horizontal directional drill (HDD) rig will be stationed in front of Twice the Ice.
   

3. 12” & 16” Reclaimed Water Mains (Sand Shaker to ECUA Water Tanks)

Timeline: November to February

• Installation of reclaimed water mains will occur via open cut and HDD.
• Two road crossings will be cut—near The Veranda and just north of Twice the Ice.
• Lane diversions will be required as crews progress from Sand Shaker to the tanks.
   

4. Restoration Phase

Timeline: February

• Temporary asphalt will be placed as each phase wraps up.
• Upon completion, a final mill and overlay will restore all impacted roadways.
• Temporary lane closures will be needed during final paving.

A Sustainable Future for Pensacola Beach

Since 2011, ECUA has provided reclaimed water for irrigation on Pensacola Beach through the SRIA Reuse Irrigation System on Via de Luna. This expanded infrastructure will allow more customers to access reclaimed water for landscaping and irrigation, helping to conserve drinking water and reduce wastewater discharge into Pensacola Bay.

Key project milestones include:

• A 2.5-million-gallon reclaimed water storage tank, funded by a $947,000 grant in 2018
• A $4.2 million NRDA grant in 2020, which funded design and construction of the current phase
• Temporary use of the reclaimed tank for potable water, pending pipeline construction

ECUA is committed to minimizing disruptions and keeping the community informed throughout the project. We appreciate your patience and support as we work to build a more resilient and environmentally responsible future for Pensacola Beach.  

Updates on construction progress and traffic impacts will be available at: www.ecua.fl.gov/advisories
Project Manager: Jack Hooper,   615-495-6102,  jhooper@qeusa.com

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