DESTIN WATER USERS, INC.
DESTIN, FLORIDA

Destin Water Users, Inc., often called DWU, is a private not-for-profit organization based in beautiful Destin, Florida. They have the important job of providing essential water services to the City of Destin and parts of unincorporated Okaloosa County. The team at DWU works hard during the busy months-serving more than 12,000 folks in winter when demand drops and over 40,000 during the bustling summer season. Thanks to their tax-exempt status under IRS code 501(c)(12), DWU can focus on sourcing high-quality drinking water. They pull this goodness from five coastal wells that reach into the Floridan Aquifer. However, they're currently working within mandatory cutback measures but haven't let that slow them down. To strengthen their supply capabilities, they've teamed up with South Walton Utility Company to develop a remote wellfield for additional inland wells. And there's exciting news on the horizon: desalination has emerged as a promising option to secure water in the future. On the management side, DWU keeps track of everything using three elevated storage tanks and one at ground level to handle peak-hour needs and ensure they can tackle fires effectively should an emergency arise. Moreover, their wastewater system repurposes most returned effluent for landscape irrigation and internal use-a smart way to make the most out of every drop. Pioneering in reclaimed water usage since 1985, DWU has been leading the charge in Florida. To adapt to fluctuating demands efficiently, they've rolled out an Aquifer Storage & Recovery (ASR) system to add more storage capacity under their belts. Plus, starting March 1, 2016, a new irrigation schedule was introduced to maximize reclaimed water delivery, showing their commitment to innovation and sustainability. Technology plays a big role in this operation, too. DWU's Geographic Information System (GIS) is all about efficiency, mapping out infrastructure data using GPS tools and aerial snapshots for top-notch planning and operations. Partnerships are key as well; DWU works hand-in-hand with the Destin Fire Control District to ensure that hydrants are in tip-top shape. The roots of DWU go way back to September 9, 1963. They started modestly with some help from the Farmers Home Administration but have since grown significantly. By 1972 they began managing wastewater systems; early '90s saw them consolidating smaller regional systems, and by 1985 reclaimed water was already benefiting places like Indian Bayou Golf Course. Fast forward to 2013–2014, statistics highlight just how proficient DWU is at what they do. They remain steadfastly committed to delivering exceptional service while protecting the pristine beauty of Destin's environment.