November 15, 2023

KU Undertakes Water System Study and Seeks Community Engagement for Informed Decision-Making

In 2022, the Kaukauna Utilities (KU) Commission approved a water system study to be conducted by CBS Squared, Inc (CBS²). With a local office in Appleton, CBS² is a civil engineering and architectural firm that provides a full range of professional services for public and private sector clients throughout the Midwest. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the current water system, taking into consideration growth in the community and the increasing regulations on drinking water. The study includes the following:

  • Water system modeling for expansion
  • Evaluation of current water supply capacity and storage systems
  • Evaluation of condition of existing water treatment plants
  • Analysis of current and future water demand
  • Analysis of Main Filter Plant alternatives
  • Analysis of water treatment process, including options to reduce water hardness
  • Water supply sources (groundwater and surface water)
  • Asset management plan, including options for aging infrastructure

A draft study was recently presented to a KU Commission Water Ad Hoc Committee. The committee and KU staff are currently analyzing the draft study to determine next steps for recommendation to the full KU Commission.

This study represents Kaukauna Utilities’ ongoing commitment to delivering safe and reliable drinking water to our community. The findings from this study, combined with input from the community, will help us to make informed decisions about potential changes and upgrades to our water treatment processes. Our primary goal is to continue providing water that meets or exceeds all federal and state regulatory standards while remaining safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective.

As part of our commitment to transparency, we will provide community engagement opportunities to keep customers and stakeholders involved and informed. A customer feedback survey will be available early in 2024 and an open house will be held in the spring of 2024. All engagement opportunities will be noticed in the Times Villager, the KU website, and the KU Facebook page.

We value the input of our community as we continue to evaluate options for the Kaukauna Utilities water system.