Florida Department of Environmental Protection honors BSU with statewide award

Bonita Springs Utilities was honored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection with the 2024 Domestic Wastewater Plant Operations Excellence Award for its East Water Reclamation Facility in recognition of outstanding treatment plant operations, maintenance and compliance.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our operations team,” said Andy Koebel, BSU executive director. “Our East Water Reclamation Facility staff, led by Operations Director Don Woodruff and Plant Manager Jake Hepokoski, consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence in maintaining the facility on a daily basis.”

Each year, the FDEP presents awards to domestic wastewater facilities to recognize those that demonstrate a special commitment to excellence in management through dedicated professionalism. BSU previously was honored with this award in 2012 and 2016.

Winning facilities go through a rigorous judging process, as well as demonstrating excellence during unannounced inspection visits throughout the year. In addition, facility upkeep, current and appropriate certifications, and staff training on the latest monitoring rules and techniques are evaluated.

Wastewater facilities also have the opportunity to provide evidence of innovative solutions to water conservation problems, improvements to maintenance processes or specific examples of excellence. BSU’s proactive operations and maintenance program produces reclaimed water that consistently exceeds quality standards. The East Water Reclamation Facility can treat 4 million gallons per day, converting 100% of the wastewater into irrigation water and fertilizer pellets.

Bonita Springs Utilities is a not-for-profit water and wastewater utility cooperative founded by local citizens in 1970. The member-owned utility provides service in the City of Bonita Springs, the Village of Estero and unincorporated South Lee County. The utility is recognized as an industry leader with awards from the American Water Works Association, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Water Environment Association.