Milwaukee Water Utility outlines 2025 improvement and rate adjustment plans

Water quality and infrastructure improvements took center stage at the Village Board Meeting on May 5, 2025, as officials outlined significant updates and future initiatives for Brown Deer’s water utility system.

The meeting highlighted the completion of a service line inventory mandated by the EPA, confirming that the village has no lead service lines in its system. This is a crucial step in ensuring safe drinking water for residents, especially in light of increasing concerns over contaminants like PFAS. The village reported non-detects for PFAS in its quarterly samples, indicating that levels remain below detection limits.

Looking ahead, the board discussed upcoming rate increases for Milwaukee County, projected at around 4% in early 2025, with a potential full rate case later in the year. These adjustments are necessary to maintain the financial health of the water utility, which has seen improvements in its rate of return, now at 7.86%, the highest since 2010.

A key focus for 2025 will be the proactive replacement of aging water mains, particularly those installed between 1941 and 1970, which account for 35% of the system and are prone to issues. The village aims to increase its annual replacement budget from $300,000 to $900,000, targeting a 1% replacement rate each year to avoid significant future costs.

The board also addressed the importance of maintaining affordable rates for residents, especially as neighboring communities face larger increases due to similar infrastructure challenges. Brown Deer currently ranks as one of the more affordable water utilities in the Greater Milwaukee area, and officials are committed to keeping it that way while ensuring the system's sustainability.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the village's dedication to providing safe drinking water and improving infrastructure, with a clear plan to address aging pipes and manage costs effectively for the community.