Sustainable Sewer
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority is a proud, hometown, municipal utility and has developed a three-pronged plan that strives to enhance the quality of life in our community, including our precious waterways and environment.
Element 1: Relocating our sewer treatment plant.
Element 1 of FPUA’s three-part plan to enhance the sustainability of our sewer system is the relocation of our island front sewer treatment plant. This long-awaited project officially broke ground in February 2023 but has been a goal of FPUA and Fort Pierce residents for over 5 years.
The new facility is located in an industrial area, far from residences and waterways, eliminating any risk to the Indian River Lagoon caused by heavy rains, hurricanes, storm surges, and sea level rise. Not only does this relocation protect the lagoon, but it also provides an average of 2 million gallons per day of reuse water for the Treasure Coast Energy Center’s cooling towers, eliminating the need to withdraw water from the Floridan aquifer - which is the main source of drinking water for millions of South Florida residents.
Relocating the island facility also provides opportunities for FPUA to restore seagrass. Restored areas provide a habitat and foraging for the massive and diverse range of species in the lagoon.
Element 2: Cured-in-Place (CIPP) Sewer Lining Initiative
Element 2 focuses on FPUA’s wastewater infrastructure, specifically the sewer pipes, which in some areas are more than 70 years old. For over 5 years, FPUA has been lining its sewer pipes in order to eliminate the risk of seepage, which is when raw, untreated sewage leaks out of the pipes through the cracks in the pipes. This raw untreated sewage then enters the groundwater and eventually reaches the Indian River Lagoon, which can cause eutrophication and harmful algal blooms.
By installing Cured-in-Place (CIPP) sewer lining, a targeted technology wherein uncured PVC lining is inserted into sewer pipes and heated to form an inner lining of the pipe, FPUA enhances our resilience against severe weather and prevents contamination. Lining the sewer lines, instead of replacing the pipes, is not only more cost-effective but also eliminates long-term road closures and traffic disruptions.
FPUA will continue to seek funding from local, state, and federal organizations toward this project to ensure a healthy, resilient, and safe community.
Element 3: Expanding wastewater services to eliminate septic systems
Element 3 includes expanding water and wastewater infrastructure, allowing us to provide water and wastewater services to new neighborhoods in Fort Pierce. This new expansion provides opportunities for homeowners to switch from septic waste systems to sewer systems, which is proven to be cleaner and safer.
In addition to expanding, FPUA has also been awarded funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) to offset the costs of converting from septic to sewer. Standard pricing to convert can cost $9,720 or more, but with grant funding from the FDEP & IRLNEP, FPUA is now offering conversions for a total cost of $110.
The drive to transition from septic to sewer stems from concerns regarding health and safety. Septic tanks pose many risks, including backflow and water intrusion. Septic systems can contaminate groundwater, which flows directly to our waterways. Switching to sewer will help eliminate these dangers, and enhance the quality of life in our community.
View this video for an overview of the efforts and value of relocating the Fort Pierce sewer treatment plant.
Grants & Appropriations
Learn more about the steps we are taking and the summary of investments over time that will continue to reduce overall cost.
Sustainability
Moving the sewer treatment plant off of
South Hutchinson Island is good for the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the sewer treatment plant being moved? What is the cost to ratepayers? When will the new plant be operational? Find the answers to these questions and more on our FAQ page.
Our Mission
To provide our customers with economical, reliable, and friendly service in a continuous effort to enhance the quality of life in our community.
Contact us.
community@fpua.com
(772) 466-1600
206 S 6th Street, Fort Pierce, Florida