Commissioner Raquel Regalado and Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez have teamed up for an innovative initiative meant to address home utilities concerns. Earlier this month, both commissioners announced a partnership with Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade Inc. and Moen. The partnership aims to install innovative technology in homes in an effort to detect and prevent water leaks, thereby lowering residential water bills and reducing water damage claims.
The project includes installing Flo Smart Water Monitors and Shut-off devices along the main water line in single-family residential homes in Miami-Dade County. Subsequently, the water flow and water bill cost will be observed over a 4-month period. The device would continuously monitor the flow rate and pressure of the water navigating through the home's papas, detecting leaks as small as a drop a minute with Microleak™ Technology. Moreover, the project aims to demonstrate how in-line water mitigation and shut-off can prevent unnecessary water loss, mitigate against non-weather flooding, and help reduce undue financial burdens by lowering water bills.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American families are estimated to waste nearly one trillion gallons of water each year because of preventable leaks. Because of these leaks, which range from small drips to catastrophic floods, Americans families could be hit with high water bills and steep repair costs for homeowners.
Commissioner Regalado commented on effort, saying that "too often unexpected or unknown water leaks in homes result in a high financial burden for homeowners." In joining forces with Commissioner Gonzalez for this effort, she calls it "an innovative and cost-saving solution for residents - one that not only saves people money but also helps to reduce water loss and unnecessary water waste."
Commissioner Gonzalez also praised the initiative, noting that "technology that leverages AI exists that can not only detect leaks, but can help prevent them from happening." “By mitigating against the impacts of damage due to water leaks, we present a proactive solution to our residents to help them save money. I am pleased to come together with Commissioner Regalado in funding the initial stage of this demonstration project.”
The Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shut-Off device will be installed in homes in Miami-Dade County Districts 7 and 11. Rebuilding Together, a leading national non-profit organization that provides free critical repair to homeowners, selected the homes that will have the installations.
JS Rashid, the Vice President of the Board of Directors of Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade, thanks the commissioners for their support. “Through their partnership, we are able to continue our mission to support our homeowners and participate in this first of its kind demonstration project to protect homeowners from water damage and conserve water.”
