Kelly Zylstra

This Water Conservation Plan Update for Waukesha Water Utility outlines the utility's strategic direction for water conservation from 2023 to 2032. The plan aims to confirm water conservation goals, review past performance, evaluate existing and potential new Conservation and Efficiency Measures (CEMs), and recommend actions to meet or exceed water-savings goals, specifically targeting a reduction in average day demand by 0.4 million gallons per day by 2030 and 0.8 million gallons per day by 2050. Key focus areas include infrastructure management, public information and education, customer incentives such as rebates and grants, and regulatory policies like sprinkling ordinances and increasing block rates. The plan also considers new measures such as enhanced leak detection and water softener disconnection, all designed to ensure customer service-oriented water-use efficiency and align with Great Lakes diversion reporting requirements.

Representatives of the governors for the eight Great Lakes states approved Waukesha's application for a Lake Michigan water supply. The city will divert no more than an average of 8.2 million gallons a day of lake water by midcentury and the water distribution area would include only the city's existing water service area, plus several town islands. The city is required to return 100% of the water pumped from the lake as fully treated wastewater discharged to the Root River, a tributary of the lake. Waukesha will stop using its 10 groundwater wells, including seven deep wells.

The Waukesha Water Utility Commission selected Greeley and Hansen as the program manager for its switch to a Lake Michigan water supply project. Greeley and Hansen will manage the permitting, design, and construction of the project, including route studies, land and easement acquisitions, and public outreach. The project is estimated to cost approximately $206 million and take about five years to complete. CH2M will serve as a subconsultant, providing expertise on permitting, the transition to a new water supply, and public outreach. Waukesha's application to borrow Lake Michigan water was approved under the Great Lakes Compact, allowing the city to withdraw up to an average of 8.2 million gallons per day while returning approximately 100% of that volume back to the Great Lakes after treatment.

The Waukesha Water Utility's budget for 2024 includes capital expenditures of $18.3 million, a decrease from the $36.5 million projected for 2023. The budget allocates $2.8 million for the future water supply project and $15.5 million for routine capital projects. The Utility plans to issue $2.8 million in federal WIFIA Loans and is seeking a $4 million federal grant. Water revenues are expected to increase by 41.7% due to a rate order effective October 1, 2023, with an additional 35.1% increase from October 1, 2024. Managers' expenses are budgeted to increase to $9.1 million, primarily due to the purchase of water from Milwaukee Water Works. Other operating expense increases include watermain maintenance, cathodic protection analysis, hydrant maintenance, and consulting services. The Utility's cash position is expected to remain strong, with a year-end balance of $26.9 million.

The Waukesha Water Utility's updated Water Conservation Plan aims to significantly increase water conservation efforts, targeting 365 million gallons of measurable water savings by 2050. The plan focuses on cost-effective measures, environmental protection, and reducing costs, while ensuring a healthy, sustainable, and reliable water supply. Key initiatives include additional rebates and grants, reductions in outdoor irrigation, conservation pricing, increased stakeholder collaboration, and targeted efforts for various customer classes. The plan projects efficiency increases by 2016, 2030, and 2050, and ensures compliance with DNR rule NR852, supporting the transition to Lake Michigan water.