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Return-flow pipeline construction begins soon
More than a decade since it began its quest for Lake Michigan water, the city of Waukesha is expected to see construction begin soon on a 23 1/2-mile pipeline that will one day return treated Lake Michigan water to the Root River watershed and eventually Lake Michigan itself.
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The most recent articles on the Great Water Alliance and water resource management. This list will be constantly updated, so make sure to check back in.
Waukesha Booster Pumping Station Update
On March 17, 2020, the cities of Waukesha and New Berlin officially agreed to work together to move Waukesha’s water supply program forward. As part of the agreement, the proposed booster pumping station (BPS) will not be built in Minooka Park in New Berlin as initially intended but will instead be located on Waukesha’s east-central side near Broadway and Les Paul Parkway.
WIFIA Update
The recent announcement of a federal loan for the Great Water Alliance project is great news for Waukesha ratepayers. “Customers will save almost $1 million per year over the 38-year life of the loan because of the exceptionally low interest rate and a flexible repayment schedule,” according to Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly.
One Step Closer – Pipeline Flushing in Waukesha
Another important step in transitioning Waukesha’s system from groundwater to Lake Michigan water will begin in September, with flushing or “scouring” select local water mains to fully prepare them for the water supply conversion.
Federal financing means big savings for water ratepayers
A federal loan for the city’s Lake Michigan water supply project is “fantastic news” for water customers, according to Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly. “Ratepayers will save almost $1 million per year over the 38-year life of the loan because of the exceptional interest rate and a flexible repayment schedule,” Reilly said.
FREEMAN: EPA awards $137.1M loan toward project
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler made a trip to Waukesha Wednesday to announce a $137.1 million loan with an interest rate of 1.16% over a 38-year-term under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) towards the Lake Michigan water supply project in Waukesha.
First contracts for Waukesha water construction are $20 million under budget
After nearly two decades of scientific studies, political challenges, applications to numerous government agencies, and extensive engineering, Waukesha has awarded the first construction bids for its historic Lake Michigan drinking water project.
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Presentations
Waukesha Water Utility wants you to understand why it is important for our community to secure a Lake Michigan water supply. That’s why we’ve made several recent presentations available for review.
Partner Communities
Our efforts to bring a safe and sustainable water supply to Waukesha wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration and cooperation of our neighboring communities. Up-to-date information about how the new program may affect your community throughout the process will be shared here on our website, as well as in our e-newsletter.
Waukesha
Franklin
Muskego
- West Allis
Milwaukee
Greenfield
New Berlin
For program information regarding Waukesha, Milwaukee and New Berlin, follow the links below.
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We’d like to address some of the common questions and misperceptions that have arisen since Lake Michigan was identified as the only sustainable long-term water supply for Waukesha.
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Great Water Alliance welcomes your thoughts and opinions as we work towards improved water quality in the City of Waukesha, the Root River, and the Lake Michigan Basin.
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