WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — It’s unclear just how much a new granular activated carbon filtration system will cost Wausau Water Works customers.
Mayor Katie Rosenberg says the utility and the city are continuing to explore their funding options, and so far they aren’t getting a clear picture of just when they could secure the necessary funds to put the $17 million system in place. “We have access to safe drinking water, clean drinking water loans, and grants- things like that. But it is just not coming together fast enough for us to be making decisions,” said Rosenberg. “I wish the solutions were easier, cheaper, and faster.”
She says it’s frustrating that they can’t give ratepayers a solid answer right now, adding that the most efficient path forward would have been to account for PFAS filtration in the first place however that didn’t happen when the system was planned several years ago.
Rosenberg says the utility is moving forward with the plans despite the unknowns, adding that the feedback she’s received from residents consists mostly of excitement for the new setup. “If people were to come to me and say ‘hey, we don’t care about PFAS anymore,’ I suppose that’s a discussion we could have. But that’s not the discussion I’m having with people right now, they are excited for when the plant will turn on and they can feel safe with their drinking water.”
Additionally, the resin filtration system would cost nearly $800,000 to replace which Rosenberg says would not be sustainable for the utility long-term.
The proposed GAC filtration system, once operational, would remove PFAS down to non-detectable levels giving Wausau some of the best drinking water in the nation.
Public Works Director Eric Lindman says it is also important to note that some of the upgrades that are being taken into account for the rates which were presented to the Water Works Commission last week are due to changes in regulations that are leading to more costly operations for the utility.
RELATED: Wausau Water Works Commission Hears Funding Proposals for GAC Filtration System
According to those numbers, the average bill without GAC filtration would be about $109 per quarter. Bills with GAC filtration taken into account could range from $111 to $117 depending on the funding source. It is important to note that those numbers are preliminary and could change based on several variables, and should not be taken as final.
Lindman says he does anticipate another update during the Water Works Commission meeting in November.
Rosenberg also notes that if the project does bring a significant increase the utility may want to consider switching to a monthly billing model instead of quarterly. While that won’t decrease the costs, she says it will allow for more consistent billing which some may prefer for their budgeting purposes.
Other topics Rosenberg discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- GAC filtration costs and timeline
7:30- Preparations for the mid-term election
10:17- 365 warming center funding
