For many of us living on the Treasure Coast , the idea that there is
INTRODUCTION something special about living on or near the water is a self-evident truth . We understand the value of the water and know it is not just essential to life , it is essential to our way of life . Here in Port St . Lucie , we are blessed to have waters of all sorts ( lakes , rivers , lagoons and ocean ) and especially the North Fork of the St . Lucie River .
For a place with “ Port ” in its name , our City Council and citizens recognize we should always strive to ensure the river is a core part of our community ’ s identity and one of the shared experiences that bind our 120 square miles and diverse population of 214,000 ( and growing ). Accordingly , here at City Hall , we ’ ve been hard at work on a number of strategic priorities relating to our rivers and other natural resources .
The City of Port St . Lucie has historically been a leader , partner and advocate for comprehensive , local solutions to the problems that plague our regional waterways . This advocacy started decades ago when our leaders recognized the impacts of septic systems and stormwater runoff on PSL ’ s natural resources . The City of Port St . Lucie had a vision for the rapidly growing community , even before acquiring its utility assets in 1994 , and developed a plan of action to expand the once-limited water and sanitary sewer utility services . The Sewer Expansion Program would ensure that failing septic systems could be taken out of service to avoid further contamination of the shallow water supply , and that newly constructed homes and businesses would be required to connect to City sewer . The City ’ s low-pressure wastewater collection system has grown to be the largest of its kind in the nation . The innovative program has also become a model for other utilities across the world .
Since then , the City has successfully embarked on key projects aimed at finding local solutions to protect our natural resources , while also reducing flooding , creating recreational opportunities and securing our future water supply . These projects , in addition to joining our regional partners in advocating for Everglades restoration projects such as the Indian River Lagoon-South project , help us fulfill our vision to be a safe , beautiful and prosperous City for all people – your hometown .
2 Water Quality Initiatives | City of Port St . Lucie