Lake Michigan water supply
Summary
The city's wells face PFOS and radium contamination, and a new study narrows future well options to six sites — all deep wells needing radium treatment. The council must soon choose between drilling costly new wells or pursuing a Great Lakes diversion, a decision that drives sewer and water budgets for years.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 24, 2026.
Impact analysis
Test well drilling alone could run about $1.2 million per site, with up to $5 million in hoped-for principal forgiveness on PFOS projects.
Residents get a long-term, safe drinking water plan instead of patchwork fixes.
Ratepayers face substantial costs whichever path is chosen, and wells near new sites could see drawdown impacts.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Public Works Committee - Sep 24, 2026
The city's wells face PFOS and radium contamination, and a new study narrows future well options to six sites — all deep wells needing radium treatment. The council must soon choose between drilling costly new wells or pursuing a Great Lakes diversion, a decision that drives sewer and water budgets for years.
Like Waukesha, Pewaukee could end up with Lake Michigan water supply
Like Waukesha, Pewaukee could end up with Lake Michigan water supply Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Common Council Meeting - First Monday - May 4, 2026
The city has to pick a path — keep drilling groundwater wells or pursue Lake Michigan water via a Waukesha-style diversion. Well 5 must come offline over radium and Well 12 barely produces, so new well sites are needed either way. The approved study is groundwork for both options.
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