Introduction
City officials in Waukesha, a Milwaukee suburb, have announced a delay in their plans to begin withdrawing water from Lake Michigan. The delay is necessary to address various issues, including reservoir cleaning and pump problems.
Revised Timeline
Originally scheduled for mid-September, the start of water withdrawal has been pushed back to October 9th, according to Dan Duchniak, the general manager of Waukesha Water Utility. Recognizing the importance of a smooth transition to lake water, city officials have decided to empty and refill their reservoirs in order to minimize any potential taste or odor issues.
Technical Glitches
In addition to the reservoir maintenance, Waukesha has encountered programming problems with new pumps. The manufacturer requires additional time to send technicians to correct these issues.
Background and Court Order
Motivated by the contamination of its wells with radium, Waukesha requested permission from regulators in 2010 to withdraw water from Lake Michigan. Subsequently, the city received a court order to find a solution and will now rely on siphoning lake water from the city of Milwaukee. Initially, approximately six million gallons per day will be transferred between the two cities, with residents on Waukesha’s east side being the first beneficiaries of lake water. On the other hand, customers on the outskirts of the city may have to wait three to four weeks before receiving lake water.
By diligently addressing these issues and overcoming setbacks, the city of Waukesha remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a safe and reliable public water supply to its residents.
Discolored Water in Waukesha County
Residents in Waukesha County may experience discolored water for a few days, according to recent reports. However, it is important to note that the water remains drinkable. If your water appears discolored, it is advised to refrain from using it for laundry until it runs clear.
Lake Michigan Water Withdrawal
In 2010, the city of Waukesha requested permission to withdraw water from Lake Michigan due to the contamination of its wells with radium. Seeking a viable solution, the city is currently under a court order. Fortunately, a compact between the Great Lakes states and the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario allows exceptions for communities in counties that straddle the basin’s boundaries—Waukesha County falls into this category. As a result, the city obtained final approval for the diversion in 2021.
Water Diversion Plans
As part of the approved diversion agreement, the city of Waukesha plans to divert up to 8.2 million gallons (approximately 31 million liters) of lake water per day. However, to minimize any negative impact, the city intends to treat the wastewater and return it to the lake via the Root River. Wisconsin regulators have assured that the lake will only experience a minimal net water loss from this process.
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