Kaukauna Utilities (KU) is excited to share updates regarding the ongoing water treatment project, which will enhance water quality for the community by transitioning to a reverse osmosis (RO) treatment process. As part of the continuous efforts to provide safe and reliable water, KU is committed to keeping customers informed every step of the way.
Project Timeline
- 2022 – Water System Study Approved by KU Commission
- 2023 – 2024 – Water System Study Complete
- Spring 2024 – KU Commission Approves Water Treatment Change to Reverse Osmosis (RO)
- Winter 2024 – RO Pilot Study Begins
- Spring 2025 – RO Pilot Study Complete
- Summer 2025 – RO Project Bidding
- Winter 2025 – Construction Begins
- Summer 2028 – Anticipated RO Project Completion
Water System Study
In 2022, the Kaukauna Utilities (KU) Commission approved a water system study to be conducted by CBS Squared, Inc (CBS²). With a local office in Appleton, CBS² is a civil engineering and architectural firm that provides a full range of professional services for public and private sector clients throughout the Midwest. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the current water system, taking into consideration growth in the community and the increasing regulations on drinking water. The study includes the following:
- Water system modeling for expansion
- Evaluation of current water supply capacity and storage systems
- Evaluation of condition of existing water treatment plants
- Analysis of current and future water demand
- Analysis of Main Filter Plant alternatives
- Analysis of water treatment process, including options to reduce water hardness
- Water supply sources (groundwater and surface water)
- Asset management plan, including options for aging infrastructure
Click here for the water system study.
Community Engagement
Via presentations, press releases, an open house, and a survey:
- KU Undertakes Water System Study and Seeks Community Engagement for Informed Decision-Making – press release published November 15th, 2023
- Presentation to the City of Kaukauna Common Council on December 19th, 2023
- Water Quality and Customer Satisfaction Survey – open through February 9th, 2024
- KU Invites Community to Water Open House – press release published March 13th, 2024
- Coffee & Conversation – presentation at the Kaukauna Public Library on April 12th, 2024
- City Property for Water Treatment Facilities – memo to City of Kaukauna Common Council on May 21st, 2024
- KU Commission Meeting – May 23rd, 2024
- Kaukauna Utilities Moving Forward with Generational Water Enhancements – press release published May 29th, 2024 announcing commission decision on water study
- Kaukauna Utilities Announces Updates on Water Treatment Project – press release published November 13th, 2024 announcing reverse osmosis project updates
Additional information
- Kaukauna Utilities Water System Study
- Survey Results – released March 13th, 2024
- Water Survey – Executive Summary
- Projected Costs and Customer Savings – showing current and potential water treatment options
- Projected Costs and Customer Savings – showing current cost vs reverse osmosis or nanofiltration cost
