FPUA Recognized as a 2025 “Utility of the Future Today”

Celebrating FPUA’s innovative work to relocate Fort Pierce’s wastewater treatment plant

Fort Pierce, Florida – October 8, 2025 – Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) has been named a 2025 Utility of the Future Today by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and its national partners for its innovative work to relocate the FPUA wastewater treatment plant off the Indian River Lagoon. This prestigious designation honors water and wastewater utilities that demonstrate leadership in innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.

FPUA was recognized in Activity Area 6: Water Reuse for its forward-thinking initiative to send reuse water from the new wastewater treatment plant to the neighboring Treasure Coast Energy Center. Through this Sustainable Sewer Project, FPUA is relocating its wastewater treatment plant away from the Indian River Lagoon to an inland site designed to improve environmental resilience, energy efficiency, and long-term service reliability. The new facility will supply reclaimed water to the Florida Municipal Power Agency’s nearby natural gas power plant, providing a sustainable cooling source that saves millions of gallons of freshwater each day.

“We are proud to share this recognition with our community, and to bring back this banner that we will proudly display at the new treatment plant,” said Javier Cisneros, FPUA’s CEO/Director of Utilities. “The award highlights our commitment to maximizing reclaimed water as a resource, reducing draw from the Floridan Aquifer, and supporting regional energy efficiency through innovative reuse partnerships.”

The Utility of the Future Today program is sponsored by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Research Foundation (WRF), and the WateReuse Association, with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“This honor reflects forward-thinking innovation, sustainability, and community leadership. Thank you for strengthening the water sector and helping build resilience today and for the future,” said Howard Carter, President of WEF’s Board of Trustees.

FPUA was honored during a ceremony on September 30th at WEFTEC in Chicago. FPUA Director of Utilities, Javier Cisneros, presented the award to the FPUA Board of Directors on October 7.

About FPUA: Fort Pierce Utilities Authority is a municipal, not-for-profit utility provider. FPUA’s mission is to provide our customers with economical, reliable, and friendly service in a continuous effort to enhance the quality of life in our community. Fort Pierce is one of more than 2,000 communities in the United States served by a community-owned electric utility, and one of the very few that also provide water, wastewater, natural gas, and Internet services. Public utility systems are owned by the people they serve. All benefits from our locally controlled utility remain right here in the community. Additional information is available at www.fpua.com.

About WEF: The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization providing water professionals with the latest in education and training. WEF is leading the transformation to the Circular Water Economy: reducing waste, recovering resources, and regenerating ecosystems. Founded in 1928, WEF’s mission is to inspire its 31,000 members and 75 affiliated member organizations and the water community in pursuit of human and environmental well-being. WEFTEC, WEF’s premiere event, is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America attracting a diverse, global audience. More than 20,000 registrants and 1,000 exhibitors convene at WEFTEC to experience innovative solutions and gain expert insights that positively impact the future of water. For more information, visit wef.org.

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