Destin Water Users, Inc.      
 

Project Location: Destin, Florida

  
         
    BDI developed a master plan for Destin Water Users to reduce its dependency on coastal wells for its potable water supply. The plan was unique for Northwest Florida because it included extensive testing and modeling of the Lower Floridan Aquifer in the Destin area. BDI had obtained earlier data in an exploratory well indicating that although the Lower Floridan was unsuitable for potable water due to high chloride concentrations, it might serve as a feed water resource for low pressure reverse osmosis treatment. Extensive testing demonstrated that the resource did have limited potential; however, significant risks of escalating treatment cost led to the formation of a water supply company with the South Walton Utility Company, Destin’s neighbor to the east.  
     
     
     
  BDI recommended that conservation measures be taken to reduce the current and future water demands of the DWU service members. In 1995, water use was estimated at 150 gallons per capita day when typical averages were at 120-130 gallons per capita day.