Peele Dixie
| The Peele Dixie Water Treatment Plant has
been providing drinking water to Fort Lauderdale
residents for the past 65 years. The plant is
one of the City's most striking public buildings,
and it has quite an interesting history.
In the 1920's, a land boom in Fort Lauderdale
attracted many new residents, creating an
increased
need for safe, clean drinking water. A site
safe from salt water intrusion was found west
of the City, and in 1926, the Dixie Water Plant
opened. Its capacity then was six million
gallons
of water a day. |
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The plant's Mediterranean architecture and
spacious grounds soon became well known to
area residents. It's original pecky cypress
ceilings,
Cuban-tile floors, and cascading aerators --
which are lighted at night -- drew may visitors.
Sunday
excursions to the water plant out in the "country" became
popular for families. Considered then the largest
and most storm resistant building in Broward
County, the plant also served as a refuge during
severe hurricanes prior to World War II. |
Over the years, the plant has been expanded and modernized,
increasing its capacity to 20 million gallons a day.
Its reliability, combined with its aesthetic and historical
significance, keeps visitors returning.
In 1975, the City Commission renamed the plant to
honor Walter E. Peele, a retired utilities department
employee. Mr. Peele's expertise in the water treatment
field, along with his maintenance skills, greatly
contributed to the dependable service the plant has
provided throughout the years.
Schematic
Flow
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