On Thursday, July 27, 2017, community leaders, dignitaries, American Water Works Association representatives, Destin Water Users (DWU) Board Members and staff gathered at the intersection of Benning Drive and Azalea Drive to commemorate the recognition of Destin Water Users’ Tower 1 as an American Water Works Association National Landmark.
 

From L to R: Lockwood Wernet, Destin Water Users General Manager; Bill Young, Florida Section of the American Water Works Association Chair Elect; James Bramblett, Water Operator; Jimmie Neilson, Destin Water Users Board of Directors Vice President; Mike Brockton, Water Operator; Ginger Barry Boyd, Destin Water Users Board Member; Sandy Trammell, Destin Water Users Board Member; Paul Reese, Facilities Manager; Ames Hudson, Destin Water Users Board Member; Monica Autrey, Operations Manager; Jack Adelaide, Destin Water Users Board Member; Chuck Rathke, Finance Manager; Tom Weidenhamer, Destin Water Users Board of Directors President; Kevin Job, Water Operator; Kim Wright, Destin Water Users Board of Directors Secretary; Jim link (seated), Destin Water Users Board Member

Erected by DWU in the fall of 1964, the tower has been a welcoming beacon as well as a source of clean water for the entire city. Situated atop on of Destin’s highest elevations and near the Destin Harbor, Tower 1 was one of the first projects undertaken by DWU once it became a member-owned corporation.
 
The 75,000-gallon potable drinking water storage tank was originally painted orange and white to resemble a beach ball until 1985 when it was repainted with DWU’s blue and white logo.
 
“Still today the blue and white single pedestal water tower serves as a beacon for local fishermen navigating their way back into the Destin Harbor,” said DWU General Manager Lockwood Wernet. “We are grateful to our founding members who had the forethought to create Destin Water Users, and our board members who continue to hold true to our mission and stand intent on ensuring the longevity of Destin Water Users for another 50 years.”
 
The AWWA American Water Landmarks Award is presented to recognize and preserve a Water Landmark at least 50 years old that has had a direct and significant relationship with the water’s supply, treatment, distribution, or technological development. Eligibility of this prestigious award requires the landmark be a permanent and nonexpendable nature, such as a building, dam, reservoir, tower, etc., and not machinery or a natural water resource.
 
The sturdy bronze plaque and monument now sit hillside to Tower 1 at the corner of Benning Drive and Azalea Drive.