Utility says looping needed to address water-quality issues; may pursue easements or eminent domain

Utility staff told the Waukesha City Water Utility Commission on Jan. 16 that water-quality concerns in an area served by a 16-inch main have prompted a plan to create a looped connection to improve residual disinfectant and flow.

Why it matters: Looping water mains can improve chlorine residuals, reduce stagnation and address localized water-quality and disinfection issues for customers in the affected area. Obtaining easements from private property owners is required to build the missing link.

Staff explained that two developers have agreed to provide most easements but that one private property owner — with land in both the City of Waukesha and the City of Pewaukee — has declined to cooperate. The utility is preparing appraisals and legal documents and said it may pursue the easement through its eminent-domain powers if negotiations fail. Staff described the requested easement area as very small (reported in meeting as roughly four one-hundredths of an acre) relative to the owners’ larger parcels.

Staff said the lack of looped flow creates low-volume conditions that degrade disinfectant residuals; the utility described degraded chlorine and sediment concerns and said looping would increase water movement and address the principal water-quality issue: residual disinfection.

Ending: Staff said they will complete appraisals and legal descriptions and consult with legal counsel about next steps before returning to the commission.