How Much Was the Water Filtration Plant in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee, Wisconsin is home to one of the largest water filtration plants in the world. The plant is responsible for providing safe and clean drinking water to over one million people in the Milwaukee area. But just how much did it cost to build such a massive and complex facility?

Background on the Milwaukee Water Filtration Plant

The Milwaukee Water Works was established in 1872 to provide a reliable source of clean water for the growing city. The original plant was built along Lake Michigan and was fed by an intake tunnel that extended nearly two miles out into the lake.

As the demand for water increased, the plant underwent several expansions and upgrades over the years. But it wasn't until the 1990s that the city began construction on a new state-of-the-art water filtration plant.

The Cost of the Plant

The total cost of the new water filtration plant in Milwaukee was approximately $182 million. This included the construction of two intake tunnels, a pumping station, and three buildings that house the filtration equipment.

The cost was partially funded by a $92 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, with the remainder of the funds coming from the city's water utility revenue bonds.

The Features of the Plant

The new water filtration plant in Milwaukee is designed to provide some of the highest quality drinking water in the world. The plant uses advanced treatment processes, including ozonation, activated carbon adsorption, and membrane filtration, to remove impurities from the water.

The plant is also designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. It uses a computerized control system to optimize energy consumption and reduce waste, and it recycles 80% of the plant's wastewater.

The Benefits of the Plant

The new water filtration plant in Milwaukee has numerous benefits. First and foremost, it provides safe and clean drinking water to over one million people in the Milwaukee area. It also helps to protect the city's water supply from contamination by removing pollutants and impurities from the water.

Additionally, the plant is helping to create jobs in the area. During the construction phase, the plant provided jobs for hundreds of workers, and now that it is operational, it requires a skilled workforce to operate and maintain the equipment.

Conclusion

The new water filtration plant in Milwaukee is a marvel of engineering and technology. It provides safe and clean drinking water to the residents of Milwaukee and helps to protect the city's water supply from contamination. While the cost of the plant was significant, the benefits it provides make it a worthwhile investment for the city and its residents.