FORT PIERCE \u2014 Fort Pierce Utilities Authority received its second consecutive Utility of the Future Today award, this time for its efforts to involve and inform residents during development of the mainland Water Reclamation and Reuse Facility.<\/p>\n
The 2026 recognition highlights FPUA\u2019s community partnerships and public engagement surrounding the project to relocate wastewater treatment operations from South Hutchinson Island.<\/p>\n
The relocation is designed to reduce exposure to storm surge and flooding while lowering environmental risks to the Indian River Lagoon.<\/p>\n
In 2025, FPUA received the same recognition for its water reuse efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur community deserves to understand the work we\u2019re doing and how it will affect them,\u201d said Bo Hutchinson, FPUA director of water and wastewater systems. \u201cFacility tours, project updates and conversations with our staff give residents a chance to ask questions and learn how the mainland facility will serve Fort Pierce. We appreciate the residents and partners who have taken part throughout this project.\u201d<\/p>\n
To keep residents informed, FPUA provided Wastewater Wednesdays updates, information through its Sustainable Sewer website and opportunities to speak directly with engineers, operators and project teams.<\/p>\n
More than 200 people attended the facility\u2019s ribbon-cutting ceremony, which included informational tables and guided tours. A public video was also made available for those unable to attend.<\/p>\n
Local artists and students participated in a public art contest, with selected artwork featured in a commemorative calendar documenting the project and its connection to Fort Pierce and the Indian River Lagoon.<\/p>\n
FPUA also worked with the Fort Pierce City Commission, its board of directors and the citizen-led Utility Advisory Committee.<\/p>\n
The project includes a partnership with the neighboring Treasure Coast Energy Center to use reclaimed water for industrial cooling, reducing groundwater withdrawals.<\/p>\n
The Utility of the Future Today program recognizes water utilities for resource efficiency and recovery, community partnerships and sustainable operations.<\/p>\n
Program partners include the Water Environment Federation, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, Water Research Foundation, WaterReuse Association and U.S. Water Alliance.<\/p>\n
FPUA received the award at the Water Environment Federation\u2019s annual conference.<\/p>\n
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority is a municipal, nonprofit utility provider offering electric, water, wastewater, natural gas and internet services.<\/p>\n