DESTIN WATER USERS, INC.
DESTIN, FLORIDA

Destin Water Users, Inc. (DWU) is a private not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Destin, Florida. It serves most of the City of Destin and portions of unincorporated Okaloosa County, providing water services to over 12,000 residents during winter months and exceeding 40,000 in summer months. Tax-exempt under IRS code 501(c)(12), DWU's drinking water is sourced from the Floridan Aquifer through five coastal wells, with mandated cutbacks currently in place. To supplement supply, a remote wellfield jointly developed with South Walton Utility Company adds additional inland wells. Recent studies have affirmed desalination as a feasible future supply method. DWU maintains three elevated storage tanks and one ground tank for water management, ensuring peak-hour and fire flow demands are met. Their wastewater system treats and reuses most of the returned effluent for landscape irrigation and in-plant operations. Since 1985, DWU has been at the forefront of reclaimed water use in Florida. In response to variable demand, DWU implemented an Aquifer Storage & Recovery (ASR) system that provides additional storage capacity. A new irrigation schedule was introduced on March 1, 2016, to optimize reclaimed water delivery. Their Geographic Information System (GIS), which collects infrastructure data via GPS and aerial photographs, supports planning and operational efficiency. The Destin Water Users also collaborate with the Destin Fire Control District for hydrant maintenance. Formed on September 9, 1963, after receiving initial funding from the Farmers Home Administration, DWU expanded its operations significantly by incorporating wastewater systems in 1972, consolidating smaller area systems in the early '90s, and establishing reclaimed water services to public sites like Indian Bayou Golf Course by 1985. Statistics for 2013-2014 reflect the operational prowess of DWU as they continue striving to maintain environmental quality within their service locale. With a mission rooted deeply in service excellence, they uphold their commitment to safeguarding Destin's pristine environment.