The Faces Behind a Service We Often Take for Granted

Published on May 28, 2026

By Anderson Bomjardim, SLWSD Public Information Officer

Every day, we wake up, turn on the faucet, brush our teeth, take a shower, and get ready for the day after enjoying a cup of coffee and a good breakfast. Yet most of us take for granted one essential resource we depend on constantly: water, along with the systems that treat and recycle it so it can be safely reused.

While many residents of St. Lucie West are starting their mornings, the staff at the St. Lucie West Services District (SLWSD) are already hard at work. They clock in and immediately begin the essential task of ensuring uninterrupted water service for the community, while also treating wastewater, the water that goes down drains after leaving faucets, showers, and other household fixtures.

This article highlights one of those dedicated team members:

Thomas J. Bayer

TJ, as he is known amongst his colleagues, joined SLWSD in 2005 as a Utilities Field Technician. Through years of learning, commitment, hard work, and professional growth, he advanced through the organization and now serves as Assistant Utilities Director, where he provides leadership, education, and mentorship to other staff members. In this role, he oversees much of the day-to-day operations at the District's water and wastewater treatment facilities.

This year, TJ was recognized by the Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA) with the 2026 Golden Manhole Award, an honor presented to utility professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and contributions in the operation, maintenance, management, education, and advancement of wastewater collection systems. The award also recognizes efforts to increase public awareness of sewer systems, proper disposal practices, and the role wastewater treatment plays in protecting public health and the environment.

FWEA recognizes the hard work of utility professionals throughout the state, and TJ was proud to bring this recognition home to St. Lucie West.

However, TJ sees the award as a reflection of the entire team rather than an individual accomplishment.

"This award is not about me, but about our staff," said TJ. "We take our daily utilities for granted because we become accustomed to them. In the process, we forget the hard work of the many people who show up every day to ensure operations remain steady and reliable. Yes, we get paid to perform our duties, but nobody gets paid to be motivated, to care, or to do their best every day. That part comes from within, and people often don't realize how much dedication goes into continuously keeping these systems running without interruptions.”

One example of that dedication is St. Lucie West's reclaimed water system. Water that leaves homes through sinks, showers, and drains is treated at the District's wastewater treatment facility and then reused for irrigation throughout the community. This process helps conserve valuable groundwater resources while providing a dependable and cost-effective source of irrigation water for residents and businesses.

Unlike many surrounding communities, St. Lucie West residents benefit from a separate reclaimed water system dedicated to irrigation. This approach helps reduce demand for potable water supplies while keeping irrigation costs affordable for customers. Outside of St. Lucie West, residents typically rely on higher-cost drinking water or private wells, which can have limited lifespans if not properly constructed and managed.

For years, TJ has worked to educate residents about the importance of maintaining a healthy wastewater treatment process and understanding what should and should not go down household drains. His efforts to connect residents with the utility services they depend on every day are part of what earned him this year's recognition.

The Golden Manhole Award recognizes those efforts, but it also reminds us of something larger. Behind every glass of water, every shower, and every green lawn is a team of dedicated professionals who show up each day to serve the community. Their work often goes unnoticed because everything is working exactly as it should.

And perhaps that is the greatest compliment of all. When residents can go about their daily lives without ever having to think about where their water comes from or where it goes afterward, it is because a dedicated team is quietly doing its job well.

If you want to learn more about the SLWSD Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, or would like a tour, email PIO@slwsd.org.