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Committee recommends $37,500 well‑siting study as Pewaukee weighs PFAS, radium and future water options
Summary
Water and sewer staff told the Public Works Committee that groundwater wells face radium and PFAS issues; the committee voted to recommend awarding a $37,500 desktop well‑siting study to Collier Geophysics and discussed long‑term replacement and affordability challenges highlighted by AWWA.
The Pewaukee Public Works Committee recommended that the city council award a desktop well‑siting study to Collier Geophysics for a cost not to exceed $37,500 as staff continue planning to replace aging groundwater wells and address contamination concerns.
Water and sewer division staff told the committee the utility faces radium and PFAS contamination in several wells and that a number of wells have deteriorating formations. “We as you're all aware, we have issues with radium and PFAS contamination in several of our wells,” the staff member said, explaining the city is pursuing both groundwater and Great Lakes surface-water diversion as long‑term options.
Staff presented two proposals: one from Terrace (reported at $41,365) and one from Collier (reported at $37,500). The recommended Collier scope begins with a desktop phase that compiles existing geophysical maps, bedrock data and Waukesha Fault‑line information to identify candidate areas for drilling; later field work would be an additional cost if sites are selected for testing.
The committee heard that the city currently has 12 production wells and that staff expect about six wells to require replacement within the next 25 years, with as many as 6–8 additional replacements over a 50‑year horizon. Members asked whether potential well sites could lie outside city boundaries and whether the study could duplicate work from neighboring municipalities; staff said the desktop phase should clarify those issues and allow for potential partnership if appropriate.
A committee member moved to recommend awarding the well‑siting study to Collier Geophysics; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said the recommendation will be forwarded to the Common Council for final action.
On a related agenda item, staff shared an excerpt from the American Water Works Association about balancing infrastructure needs with household affordability, noting many utilities face growing capital and operating costs that can lead to significant rate increases if not offset by grants or other support.
