KAUKAUNA — Kaukauna Utilities will begin a pilot study this winter as it prepares to transition to a reverse osmosis treatment process. The new process will eventually provide softer water to customers’ homes and businesses, according to the utility.
What’s Happening Now: Pilot Study to Begin Soon
To ensure the success of the reverse osmosis, or RO system, the pilot study is required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources prior to changing its water treatment process.
Kaukauna Utilities has submitted the pilot study proposal, and once the WDNR issues the authorization to proceed, the study will begin, according to a news release from KU.
This small-scale setup allows KU to test the system’s performance in real-world conditions, including water quality and contaminant removal efficiency. The data gathered will help to optimize the system before moving forward with full-scale installation.
In spring of 2025 after the pilot study is completed, KU will provide more information about future water hardness levels and any suggested changes to customers’ existing water softening equipment after transitioning to what will be a softer supply of water to homes and businesses.
Next Steps: Certificate of Authority
KU recently submitted an application to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) for a Certificate of Authority, a critical step in moving the project forward. The PSCW ensures that necessary projects, such as this, are cost-effective and environmentally responsible. The application process includes providing the PSCW detailed information on project costs, rate and environmental impacts, size, and location.
Detailed engineering will be completed once approval is received from the PSCW, followed by project bidding and construction.
Tentative Schedule
The project schedule is below, with approximate dates that are subject to change:
- Winter 2024 – Pilot Study Begins
- Spring 2025 – Pilot Study Complete
- Summer 2025: Project Bidding
- Winter 2025: Construction Begins
- Summer 2028: Anticipated Project Completion
