Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pewaukee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in environment
Village of Sussex Emergency Water Interconnect
Sussex wants a backup water connection on Weyer Road as part of its deal to serve a Lisbon subdivision. The city agreed in concept — at no cost to Pewaukee — with metering required.
Well Siting Study
The study is running slightly behind due to technical mapping issues, with results expected late August. Media inquiries are being routed through the Public Works Director to keep messaging consistent.
Lake Michigan water supply
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.
PFAS contamination at the Still River well
The latest sampling at the Still River well shows PFAS levels have gone up again, so the City must mail an extra DNR-required notice to water customers in early August on top of the quarterly bill notice. A treatment pilot study is moving forward with DNR submittals complete.
Well #8 PFAS Treatment and Well #13 Replacement
The city is designing a PFAS treatment system for Well #8 — cost now $3.5 million, up from $2 million — and drilling a replacement deep well to retire contaminated wells. These will serve as emergency backup water supplies if the city pursues Lake Michigan diversion.
Battery recycling at DPW center
The city is weighing whether to keep taking lead-acid batteries at the recycling center. Staff note batteries stored in the open leak onto blacktop and would draw DNR scrutiny, though they're 98% recycled and have scrap value.
PFAS water contamination notice
Well #8 needs a $3.54 million treatment system — up from $2 million — and Well #12 also exceeds PFAS limits but may be abandoned and replaced with a new deep well instead. Nobody knows where the PFAS came from, and officials say tracking down the source should be DNR or EPA work, not the city's. Two other shallow wells show small detections.
Storm water compliance and winter salt use
The annual storm water report shows the city used about 2,100 tons of salt this harsh winter, swept 2,405 lane miles, and issued fines for erosion-control violations. Buying pollution credits from Brookfield helps meet TMDL water-quality requirements.
Drainage and flooding at N17 W25010 Bluemound Road
A resident says drainage problems near her Bluemound Road property have gone unaddressed for 10-12 years and are now causing foundation and safety issues. Her property and a neighbor's have effectively become wetlands. The city will route her complaint to Public Works Director Maggie Wagner.