Lake Michigan water project, Waukesha celebrates completion

WAUKESHA, Wis. - More than 70,000 people in Waukesha will soon start using Lake Michigan water – a project 20 years in the making.

Waukesha’s groundwater supply was severely depleted, and the city was also under a court order to come into compliance with radium standards. The journey to Thursday's celebration was not easy.

"To be honest, it’s almost surreal," said Dan Duchniak, Waukesha Water Utility general manager. "They’ll finally be able to address that long-term water supply need they have, and I’m really happy for the residents that we’re able to get to that point."

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In 2016, Waukesha became the first community fully outside the Great Lakes Basin to apply for a diversion exception under the Great Lakes Compact. It meant eight states and two Canadian provinces had to unanimously approve what became the biggest public works project in Waukesha's history.

"It’s a $286 million project – it’s not something that someone can take lightly," Duchniak said.

Construction began three years ago. Under the agreement, Waukesha is required to treat and return the water to Lake Michigan. Thirty-six miles of pipelines bring water from Milwaukee and return it to the Root River.

There will be some impacts to users.

READ MORE: Waukesha Lake Michigan water switch; what to expect

"If you don’t already know, and you’re on dialysis, or you have aquariums or reptiles, you have to treat your water a little differently," said Mayor Shawn Reilly.

The city asks residents to avoid washing clothes during the first few days of the transition; iron and minerals could stain them if your pipes aren’t flushed.

Waukesha Water Utility

It will still be a few days before the water reaches homes. It takes 45 million gallons of water to turn over the whole system, so the switch will take time. It will be progressive through the city from east to west.

"We’re projecting that it’s going to be somewhere between Sept. 14-18," Duchniak said. "Once we start that process, for 90% of the city it will take about five days."

If you experience discolored water, the city advises you to run cold water through your pipes. If you do end up with color in your clothes, don’t dry them and pick up products like Red-B-Gone or Iron Out to remove any discoloration. Additional information can be found on the project's website.