Wausau Water Works Commission Meeting - 10/6/26

The Wausau Water Works Commission’s regular meeting on October 6, 2026, included updates on utility capital projects and procurement. Staff reported that design is underway for an orthophosphate corrosion-control system following the DNR’s final decision; they hope to bid and begin construction in early 2027, and are considering a temporary staff-purchased setup to begin treatment sooner. CDM Smith is assisting with related work. The wastewater headworks project was nearing substantial completion, with punch-list work underway, and work on the Crocker Street lift station had begun, including completion of underground piping. Staff also discussed possible use of settlement funds for capital projects to reduce future borrowing; the figures need correction, and the matter will return in November with no decision taken. The discussion referenced approximately $600,000 per year from seven remaining 3M settlement payments and uncertainty about whether some funds could be subject to a 50% clawback tied to emerging-contaminant funding.

The commission approved a sole-source purchase of magnesium hydroxide for the wastewater division; staff cited its established performance and a five-cent-per-pound-or-dry-ton price increase. Members also discussed the lead-service-line replacement construction contract with Community Infrastructure Partners: pricing was secured for three years, while the DNR did not accept options to lock in years four and five after reviewing the bidding documents. No change to that contract was voted on at this meeting.