KAUKAUNA — Kaukauna Utilities reverse osmosis project continues to move forward, the utility announced this week.
According to the utility, the project will significantly reduce water hardness, from about 40 grains to 5.5 grains.
Because of that, Kaukauna Utilities will develop a water softener optimization or removal program in 2026, with implementation beginning in 2027.
This program will help customers assess whether to adjust or remove their home softeners, depending on individual preferences.
Before that, however, the next step is for detailed design work to wrap up while preparations for construction are under way.
Final project specifications are expected this month, with contractor bidding following shortly after and construction beginning in spring 2026.
Full update available here – https://www.kaukaunautilities.com/blog/2025/11/19/reverse-osmosis-project-moves-forward/
What’s Next
Over the coming months, several key milestones will move the project from design to construction:
- November 2025: Final project specifications completed.
- December 2025: Project bidding opens for interested contractors; documents available through QuestCDN.com.
- January 2026: Bids due.
- February 2026: Contract award anticipated.
- March 2026: Risk identification and mitigation workshop and preconstruction meeting held with the selected contractor.
- Spring 2026: Construction begins following preconstruction activities.
- Summer 2028: Project completion.
Construction Focus
Initial construction will center on Water Treatment Plant 1 (WTP1), located adjacent to the Kaukauna pool. This new facility will replace the existing ground storage reservoirs and main filter plant, which date back to the early 1900s. Completing WTP1 first will allow Kaukauna Utilities to continue operations without depending on aging infrastructure during the remainder of the project.
Looking Ahead: Water Softener Program
As stated in the May 2025 press release, Kaukauna Utilities is targeting a water hardness for customers of about 5.5 grains, a substantial improvement from the current ~40 grains.
Kaukauna Utilities is committed to keeping customers informed every step of the way. Regular updates and project milestones will continue to be shared through the Reverse Osmosis Project page on our website at kaukaunautilities.com/reverseosmosis. We thank our customers for their ongoing interest and support as we build a stronger, more resilient water system for the future.
