NEWSLETTER

St. Lucie West Services District

www.slwsd.org

September, 2025

Fun Fact: The Hardest Workers at Our SLWSD Wastewater

Page 2

Treatment Plant

Understanding the Recent Fish Kill in Lake Forest
Recently, St. Lucie West Services District (SLWSD) experienced a minor fish kill in the Lake Forest community, where about 25 fish were affected. The cause was determined to be lake turnover, a natural process that occurs when changes in temperature cause deeper water with low oxygen to rise to the surface. This sudden shift can temporarily lower oxygen levels, making it difficult for fish to survive.
Our Public Works Team responded quickly by setting up a mobile aerator pump, and within three days, the lake’s oxygen levels were restored to a healthy range.
Fish kills can also be triggered by other natural factors, such as hot weather, algae overgrowth, fertilizer runoff after heavy rains, or sudden changes in water chemistry. While these events can look alarming, they are not caused by the District’s pond care practices and usually balance out on their own.
The SLWSD Public Works Team is responsible for the care and maintenance of our preserves and retention ponds. If you have questions about pond maintenance, please contact us at PIO@slwsd.org.

Board of Supervisors Vacancy Announcement
Rose Carvelli has resigned from the SLWSD Board of Supervisors, leaving her seat (number four) vacant. The Board will discuss the process for filling this vacancy at its upcoming Oct. 7 public meeting.

(772) 340-0220
customerservice@slwsd.org
St. Lucie West Services District 450 SW Utility Drive, PSL, FL 34986

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Board of Supervisors
Approves FY2026 Budget Utility Rate Adjustments
The Board of Supervisors approved the FY2026 Budget at the August 26, 2025, Public Hearings. As part of this budget, a 9% utility rate increase will take effect on your October 2025 statement. The Stormwater Maintenance Assessment increase ($176 to $206 per unit) will reflect on your next tax bill.
	Board of Supervisors	
Dominick Graci (Chairman) Gregg Ney (Vice Chairman) Diane Haseltine (Secretary) Kevin Dolan (Alt. Sec.) Seat 4 Empty
Next Board Workshop & Meeting:
Oct. 6 & 7
Visit our website for more information.

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Fun Fact: The Hardest Workers at Our SLWSD Wastewater Treatment Plant

We often overlook the amazing role nature plays in recycling our water. At the St. Lucie West Services District (SLWSD) Wastewater Plant, some of the hardest workers are so small you need a microscope to see them. These tiny organisms, called microorganisms, are nature’s very own recycling team. They break down waste from our homes, including leftover food, soaps, human waste, and other organic materials, transforming it into safe, reusable water.
When wastewater arrives at the SLWSD Wastewater Plant, it first passes through filters that remove large solids. Then it moves into aeration tanks, where our microscopic helpers begin their work in a process called Biological Treatment. These microorganisms consume organic waste, breaking it down into simpler, harmless compounds. This natural process removes harmful materials from the water and prepares it for safe reuse.
The microorganisms thrive in the aeration tanks, where oxygen is carefully added to support their growth and efficiency. Like people, they need the right conditions to stay healthy. As they feed, they produce mostly water, carbon dioxide, and a small amount of biomass, doing much of the heavy lifting in cleaning our water.
At SLWSD, our Utilities Department ensures the plant runs smoothly through careful operation and maintenance. Once fully treated, the water is safely reused for irrigation throughout the community. Thanks to these microscopic workers and our dedicated staff, our parks, landscaping, and green spaces stay healthy while conserving valuable drinking water. Next time you enjoy a lush lawn or community garden, you can thank both the tiny microorganisms and the SLWSD Utilities team working behind the scenes.
If you would like to see these amazing processes in action and meet our Utilities staff, contact us at PIO@slwsd.org to arrange a group tour of the SLWSD Wastewater Treatment Plant and learn more about how we recycle water safely and efficiently.

St. Lucie West Services District’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 450 SW Utility Dr., in St. Lucie West.