Water Division

Process

1. Raw water flows by gravity to the water treatment plant through a 24 inch diameter pipeline which extends approximately one half mile into Chequamegon Bay. Raw water is pumped from a collection chamber to the microfiltration building.
2. The microfiltration building was constructed in 2001. As the raw water is pumped into the building, it first travels through a 500 micron strainer to take out any large debris.
3. From there it flows through four membrane microfiltration units. These remove particles as small as 0.2 microns in size.
4. From the filters, finished water is disinfected and flows to a ground storage reservoir which was designed to allow sufficient time for complete disinfection of the water. The high-lift pumps then discharge to the distribution system. All operators are certified by the State of Wisconsin.
5. Chemical addition consists of routinely adding chlorine and fluoride. A free chlorine residual of at least 0.2 milligrams per liter is maintained at the fringes of the distribution system, and is monitored continuously.
6. Other chemicals added include small doses of Polyphosphate and Sodium Hydroxide. Both of these chemicals have been successful at reducing the amount of lead that leaches into some residential customer’s water if their homes still have lead pipes within their property.

Distribution System

The distribution system contains 54 miles of main pipe. This ranges from one inch to twenty-four inches in diameter. The system is regularly flushed in spring and fall. The system also contains a 1.4 million gallon standpipe, a half million gallon elevated water tower which is fed by a pumping booster station.

Monitoring

All facilities are continuously monitored by computer through a telemetry system and physically checked daily for proper operation.

Additional Information

2022 Drinking Water Quality Report is available.

For more information, please contact the Utility Department at 715-682-7194 or via email.