Great Lakes Water Supply Program
Waukesha, Wis.
BEST PROJECT
Sent by: Black & Veatch
Owner: Waukesha Water Service
Principal Design Firm, Civil Engineer, MEP Engineer: TYLin | Greeley and Hansen Water Solutions
General Contractor: Black & Veatch
Waukesha Water Utility (WWU) provides water treatment and distribution services in Waukesha, Wisconsin. But the main source of drinking water, the sandstone Aquifer of St. Peter, has been depleted due to overuse and a layer of shale rock that restricts groundwater recharge. which has increased concentrations of radium and other pollutants, posing a risk to public health.
Photo by Greg Kirstein
To address this problem, the city needed to plan, design, build and operate a resilient water supply infrastructure with a century lifespan.
Photo by Greg Kirstein
The team overcame enormous challenges, including the relocation of essential pump stations and the timely procurement of over 86 permits.
Photo by Greg Kirstein
The project used trenchless construction, prefabricated tanks and drone technology for efficient execution. Synchronizing design and permits proved critical to mitigating delays. Keeping the project on schedule required coordination among seven communities, two counties, and multiple federal, state, and local agencies.
Photo by Greg Kirstein
In October 2023, Waukesha successfully moved 100% of its residents and businesses to Lake Michigan water.
