Summary

Water Works Commission reviews capital and wastewater updates; advances lead service line work, corrosion control study, and PFAS testing status

WausauApr 8, 20263 min read

At a glance

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The Commission approved prior minutes, placed director reports on file, discussed five-year capital planning and lead service line (LSL) replacement progress for 2026 (≈1,200–1,300 replacements), reviewed WDNR Class A biosolids approval, received a corrosion control optimization recommendation to continue sodium silicate and add 1 mg/L polyphosphate pending DNR approval, and confirmed current PFAS testing shows compliance.

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Water Works Commission

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Key decisions

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Approved March 3, 2026 Wausau Water Works Commission minutes (motion carried 5-0).
Director's reports placed on file.
Noted WDNR approval letter dated April 5, 2026 for Class A biosolids; distribution may proceed with required tracking/documentation; Sludge Management Plan drier process information and Class A sludge distribution plan remain pending.
Directed staff to present a revised five-year capital projects list in May and to prepare a draft capital budget for submission to Ehlers for recommendations.
Commission will consider a proposed lead service line ordinance before it advances to Council; 2026 LSL work (hydroexcavation and pre-construction) underway with an estimated 1,200–1,300 replacements and adjusted borrowing projections reported.
Accepted report recommendation to continue use of sodium silicate and add 1 mg/L polyphosphate for corrosion control, with the draft report submitted to the WDNR and final implementation contingent on WDNR approval (meeting scheduled June 9).
Confirmed PFAS monitoring results show effluent and biosolids within current Wisconsin guidance and biosolids PFOA/PFOS below the 20 ng/g threshold requiring no further action.
Adjourned the meeting (motion carried 5-0).

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Meeting information

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Water Works Commission Meeting

Apr 8, 2026, 11:00 AMWausau City Hall — Council Chambers, 407 Grant Street, Wausau WI 54403completed

Agenda

1 Consideration of the minutes of the preceding meeting(s).
a Regular Wausau Water Works Commission Minutes.
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Decision: Consideration of the minutes of the preceding meeting(s).
2 Director's Reports.
a Capital Projects Planning and Initial Discussion
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Decision: Director's Reports.
b Wastewater — Update on Headworks Screening Project, Cherry Street Lift Station Project, and Status of Class A Biosolids from WDNR.
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Decision: Director's Reports.
3 Discussion.
a Discussion and Update on LSL Replacement Project for 2026 and related news on the nationwide cost of new regulations.
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Decision: Discussion.
b Report for the Corrosion Control Treatment Optimization Study submitted to the WDNR.
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Decision: Discussion.
c Discussion and Update on Influent, Effluent and Biosolids PFAS Testing.
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Decision: Discussion.
4 Adjournment.