About Us

What We Do

Bonita Springs Utilities Inc. 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.

BSU has approximately 135 people employed across six departments: Customer Service, Operations (including Distribution/Collection and Utility Maintenance), Engineering, Finance, Information Technology and Administration.

Water

Wastewater

Mission Statement

Water

We blend water from our two water treatment plants, the Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant (RO) and the Lime Softening Water Treatment Plant, to provide the best water quality to our members. Water drawn from the Upper Floridan Aquifer is treated through reverse osmosis and water drawn from the Lower Tamiami Aquifer is treated through a lime softening process.

Awards

Water Distribution Award for Outstanding Performance, Florida Section of American Water Works Associations, Division 4 – 2021, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2009

Best Tasting Drinking Water Contest Winner, American Water Works Association, Region V – 2022, 2016

Plant of the Year Award for the RO Plant, Southeast Desalting Association – 2006-2005

Wastewater

Our two wastewater treatment plants, the West Water Reclamation Facility (WWRF) and the East Water Reclamation Facility (EWRF) treat wastewater to public access irrigation standards. Biosolids created at both plants through the treatment process are processed through a state-of-the-art membrane bioreactor system with a biosolids dryer that produces pelletized Class AA residuals suitable for use as fertilizer. We also treat millions of gallons of wastewater effluent daily (a byproduct of the wastewater treatment process) and dispose of it in a sanitary and cost-effective manner, primarily as outdoor irrigation water. Virtually 100% of all treated wastewater is reused for irrigation purposes in our service area.

Awards

  • FWEA WR3 & David W. York Water Reuse Award, Outstanding Public Education – 2022
  • SEDA Plant of the Year Under 5MGD, Outstanding Membrane Plant Award, Small Facility – 2022
  • FWEA Biosolids/Residuals Program Excellence Award, Small Operating Projects – 2020
  • 1st Place Winner, Earle B. Phelps Award to the Wastewater Treatment Team at the East Water Reclamation Facility, Florida Water Environment Association – 2019, 2018, 2014
  • Leroy H. Scott Award for East Water Reclamation Facility Lead Operator Jake Hepokoski, Florida Water Environment Association – 2019, 2018
  • Safety Award from the FWPCOA for the Operations Staff’s outstanding safety record at the East Water Reclamation Facility – 2018
  • Safety Award for the Utility of the Year from the FWPCOA for its outstanding safety record – 2018
  • FWEA Biosolids/Residuals Program Excellence Award for the East Water Reclamation Facility – 2017, 2014
  • Runner-Up, Earle B. Phelps Award to the Wastewater Treatment Team at the East Water Reclamation Facility, Florida Water Environment Association – 2016
  • Domestic Wastewater Plant Operations Excellence Award for the East Water Reclamation Facility – 2016
  • FWEA Top Ten Safety Award – 2014
  • Winner of FDEP Plant Operations Award for the EWRF – 2012
  • Winner of ASCE- Florida Section Project of the Year for the EWRF – 2008
  • Winner of Design-Build Institute of America National Design-Build Award for the EWRF – 2008

Mission Statement

Bonita Springs Utilities, Inc. is a not-for-profit water and wastewater utility dedicated to providing safe, reliable potable water and wastewater service, emphasizing responsible protection of our resources at the most effective cost to all members.