Click here for the Port Washington Water Treatment Plant Improvements Project Updates

COPW Water Treatment Plan Improvements Project Presentation (From the May 8, 2023 Public Information Meeting)

Presentation from City Water at the August 9, 2022 Common Council Meeting

• The City of Port Washington Water Utility complied with all State and Federal Drinking Water Standards including, End of Month Reporting (EMOR) and Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)- Routine Monitoring Requirements, and retaining state laboratory certification through The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Division of Food Safety and Recreational Safety (WDATCP).
• Utility staff and consultants completed the design of the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project and successfully submitted plans to the WDNR and Public Service Commission (PSC). The Utility requested a water rate increase from the PSC. The increase was granted in a two-step process. Step I was implemented on September 1, 2023. Step II will be implemented after final completion of the project.
• The Utility Bid and selected a General Contractor for the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project.
• Utility staff successfully complied with all required fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5), Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), and Lead and Copper sampling requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and WDNR.
• In June, staff transitioned from a walking/driving based meter reading system to an Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) system. This was accomplished by installing a fixed-based antenna on the Thomas Drive Water Tower. This infrastructure along with software specific for our utility allows for real-time meter reads for roughly 2,500 Automated Meter Reading (AMR) meters. These meters have the capability to switch from an AMR to AMI system.
• Due to excessive buildup of dirt, algae and mildew, the Thomas Drive Water Tower’s exterior surface was pressure-washed in July.
• The Utility started a five-year program to sandblast and paint all fire hydrants in the system. The first 100 hydrants were successfully sandblasted and painted in July.
• The field staff maintained compliance with all WDNR and PSC requirements for Valve Exercising, Hydrant Flushing, Meter Replacement and Cross Connection Inspections. Over 500 valves were exercised throughout the year. Close to 650 hydrants were inspected, serviced, and flushed through the months of May and June. Over 200 residential meters were replaced. During the replacements, a cross connection inspection is completed. Close to 100 commercial, industrial, public authority, and multi-family cross connection inspections were completed. Staff also checked for sanitary sewer clear water compliance.
• Utility staff cleaned and inspected the Water Treatment Plant’s (WTP) Sedimentation and Shore Well Tanks. The WTP has two Sedimentation tanks, each cleanout took multiple days to plan and clean. Staff assisted a diver in the cleaning of the WTP’s two shorewells. The shorewells are typically inspected and cleaned every other year.
• Utility staff spent a significant amount of 2023 organizing and preparing the WTP for the upgrade project. Both plant and field operations will be affected and potentially tasked with moving operations temporarily.
• The annual street improvement project included the replacement of approximately 3,900 linear feet of water main. Field staff assisted contractors during construction with flushing and sampling all new water main and hydrants.

• Complete planning and start construction of the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project. Major improvements will include the moving of utilities, the construction of the new building and clear well, and the replacement of pumps, motors, and other equipment.
• Assist the General Contractor with general and daily planning and managing the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project. Lead the transition from older policies and procedures to new updated ones as the upgrades are completed.
• Continue to maintain compliance with all State and Federal Drinking Water Standards by summiting sample results and reporting on time and accurately.
• Prepare for compliance with 2024 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules for lead and copper services which include the completion of an entire system materials inventory list.
• Continue the meter changeout program to better transition from a walking-based meter reading system to an Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) system. The Utility will update the changeout process and procedures to better handle the increased volume of meter changeouts expected.
• Assist the Engineering Division with the annual street/utilities reconstruction project from planning through construction.
• Maintain compliance with all Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and Public Service Commission (PSC) requirements for Valve Exercising, Hydrant Flushing, Meter Replacement, and Cross Connection Inspections.
• Update storage and retention of records and materials by digitizing historical files, plans, and organizing and filing hard copies.
• Continue with the sandblasting and painting program with the goal of completing 150 hydrants.

The Port Washington Water Utility is currently in the process of replacing water meters throughout the City that are approaching or have reached their designated lifespan. This process is mandated and monitored by the Public Service Commission (PSC), which requires replacement of water meters every 20 years.

There are NO FEES for the Required meter replacement.

You will receive a letter from the Water Utility if your residence or business is scheduled for a meter replacement. An appointment takes approximately 15-30 minutes to complete. Water within the building will be turned off for a short period of time while the meter is changed out.

PLEASE CONSIDER BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT

• An adult over the age of 18 must be present before the appointment.
• Utility Operators will need access and space to work around the water meter.
  • Residential water meters are typically located in the basement.
• If your meter is not located in your residence (i.e. your neighbor’s unit located in a side-by-side building), call, nd let the operator know.

CROSS CONNECTION INSPECTION

In accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 810.15, a Cross Connection Program must be implemented. This program is designed to protect the public water supply by ensuring that no potential hazardous connections exist. A cross connection could not only contaminate your own drinking water, but also the entire water supply. This inspection, as well as a Clear Water Entry Inspection, will take place during the meter replacement. See link below for more information:

City of Port Washington Cross Connection Control Program

Water Meter Replacement FAQs

Q:  Do I have to complete the meter replacement?

A:  Yes. Per PSC 185.76(6), the PSC shall require the Port Washington Water Utility to replace meters on a 20-year schedule. This gives the Utility legal authority to access and replace the meter. Failure to allow the Utility to access and replace the meter can result in disconnection.

Q:  When can I schedule and appointment and how?

A:  If you receive a water meter replacement letter from the Water Utility, please call (262) 284-2172 or email dfisher@portwashingtonwi.gov to schedule an appointment. Appointment hours are Monday – Friday from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Q:  Where is my water meter located?

A:  The location of each residential water meter varies, but it is typically located in the basement of your home. The meter is typically along the outside wall closest to the street where the water main is located and where your water lateral enters your house. For side by sides housing units, water meters might be in each basement or both meters might be in one of the single units.

The Port Washington Water Utility maintains around 650 hydrants throughout the City. Each hydrant is inspected at least once a year. All hydrants are flushed at least once per year in the Spring. Dead-end hydrants are flushed again in Summer or as needed.

Benefits to Flushing

• Ensures water quality by removing naturally occurring minerals and sediments that build up in water mains.
• Keeps each hydrant maintained and in good operating condition.
• Test flows throughout the distribution system
• Ensures ample water flow for fighting fires

Some brownish discoloration might be noticed by a customer who is using water during the same time in the same area of a hydrant that is being flushed. This is normal, and our recommendation is to run cold water through a utility sink or bathtub until clear. The discolorations is caused by harmless mineral deposits which settle in the water main and are stirred during flushing.

There may be a temporary drop in water pressure during hydrant flushing. If pressure or volume seems low after flushing is complete in your area, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.

The Port Washington Water Utility will advise the public two weeks in advance of flushing. Notification related to the upcoming hydrant flushing will occur on the City of Port Washington’s Webpage and all social media platforms as well as an ad in the Ozaukee Press.

Although it seems like large amounts of water are being wasted, routinely flushing the system is extremely important to maintain high water quality that all consumers deserve!