Dade Water Authority Reports Discolored Water Complaints Have Subsided
The Dade County Water and Sewer Authority says reports of discolored water have dropped significantly following months of complaints from customers across the county.
During the Authority’s latest meeting, officials reported receiving 13 calls concerning discolored water during the previous week, although some may have been associated with leaks and flushing. Officials said no additional discoloration complaints had been received since then.
The Authority has been dealing with reports of gray or yellowish water during an extended period of unusually warm conditions. Officials said they will continue monitoring the system and could involve engineers if the problem begins increasing again. Cooler water temperatures and seasonal water turnover are believed to be helping conditions improve.
Water Tanks Found Structurally Sound
The Authority also received inspection reports on several of its water storage tanks.
Officials reported that inspections found the Wildwood, Sand Mountain, New Home, Hooker, Canyon Ridge and Back Valley tanks structurally sound, with no structural defects noted and foundations reported to be in good condition.
Some tanks remain difficult to remove from service for more extensive interior work because doing so could create water pressure problems in portions of the system. Authority officials said they plan to seek additional guidance on how those inspections and maintenance can be completed.
Authority Receives Clean Audit Opinion
The Authority also received the results of its audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
The auditor reported an “unmodified opinion,” described during the meeting as the highest and best audit opinion and indicating the Authority’s financial statements fairly presented its financial position in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The audit reported approximately $15.6 million in total assets and deferred outflows and approximately $8.3 million in liabilities. Net position was reported at approximately $7.3 million.
Auditors did identify four internal-control findings — two material weaknesses and two significant deficiencies. Two findings involving segregation of duties and account reconciliation have existed for several years and were attributed in part to the Authority’s relatively small accounting staff.
Two new findings involved delays involving deposits and outstanding checks, along with inventory valuation procedures. Authority officials said procedures have already been changed to address the deposit issue and discussed bringing in outside or part-time accounting assistance to improve monthly or quarterly reconciliation.
The auditor concluded by describing the Authority’s overall financial statements as strong and noting its increasing net position.
September Shows $57,000 Profit
For September, the Authority reported approximately $425,000 in revenue and $367,000 in expenses, resulting in a monthly profit of approximately $57,000.
One significant expense was $31,824 to replace a raw water pump that could not be rebuilt. Officials discussed the possibility of obtaining a backup pump.
Over the Authority’s 12-month income and expense report, officials said the system remained approximately $313,000 ahead. Crews also completed 12 water-main repairs during the reporting period.
The Authority said it will continue monitoring water quality and system conditions as cooler fall temperatures arrive.
Watch the full meeting below