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Sherwood documents copepod samples, TTHM exceedances and pursues new water source
Summary
Across 2008 Sherwood recorded copepod findings in household samples, DNR TTHM exceedances, and a DNR consent-order-driven push to secure a new water source; engineers recommended test wells and negotiating water purchases with Appleton and Menasha.
Residents and utility staff repeatedly raised water-quality concerns in 2008, prompting testing, DNR contact and a search for alternative water sources.
In January and through spring, resident samples and MCO testing detected microscopic organisms (referred to in minutes as copepods). MCO operator Randy Much told commissioners he consulted university experts and outlined an interim approach of aggressive flushing and adjusted disinfectant dosing while noting the long-term solution was a new water source. "Adding disinfectant and aggressive flushing and continued sampling" were described as short-term steps by Much.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources cited Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) exceedances in 2007 and again in 2008. Minutes record a DNR inspection noting TTHM violation at well #5 and suggesting the Village consider purchasing water from Appleton, Menasha, or Waverly Beach Sanitary District. In March the Village filed required EPA and DNR paperwork and engaged in a DNR meeting to discuss a possible consent order and remediation timeline.
Engineering and utility staff pursued both in‑house testing and outside options: McMahon recommended a range of hydrogeologic tests including a four-hour test pump at well #7 (proposal ~$4,800), alternative pumping at the High Cliff Supper Club ($2,850) and a larger aquifer analysis ($40,000–$50,000). Negotiations with Appleton progressed through mid-2008: McMahon reported Appleton Utility Committee and Common Council signaled willingness to negotiate a water sale; the Village entered preliminary talks to buy treated water while retaining local distribution.
Board members recorded adoption of a local water-conservation ordinance (Ordinance 08-100) to limit outdoor watering and ease demand while mitigation and sourcing decisions continued.
Next steps: the Village continued sampling schedules (filters were sent to CH Diagnostics in Colorado and later testing paused until spring 2009), pursued test wells and formal negotiations with neighboring utilities, and worked with the DNR to comply with sampling and consent-order conditions.
