10 things to know about NEW Water
We are proud to provide cost-effective services that protect public health and our precious Wisconsin waters, every day.
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PFAS
In efforts to better understand this emerging contaminant, NEW Water initiated sampling at its Green Bay and De Pere facilities in March. NEW Water is working with a consultant on sampling method techniques, and to review the data. The data will be published on the NEW Water website on an annual basis after QA/QC (quality assurance / quality control). NEW Water is continuing to collaborate with industries on pollution prevention strategies, to more cost effectively address PFAS through source reduction. NEW Water will continue to monitor legislative and regulatory changes.
See EPA’s PFAS fact sheet here >>
Learn more about PFAS from the Wisconsin DNR here >>
Partnering for water: NEW Watershed Program
Our Team has been busy in the watershed striving to achieve permit compliance more cost effectively through work with the agricultural community and others in the Ashwaubenon Creek and Dutchman Creek (ACDC) watersheds of the Lower Fox River. Both operational and structural practices have been implemented through NEW Water's Adaptive Management compliance program, by working diligently to listen to landowners and operators to find the best management practices that meet their farm goals, as well as NEW Water goals to reduce excess phosphorus and sediment entering Northeastern Wisconsin waterways.
Check out the "Basin Buzz" article featuring this collaborative approach to improving the region's water quality. Learn more >>
Learn more about last year's watershed work in the 2023 fact sheet >>
“Clear water” in the sanitary sewer system, or I&I
After three years of working with a Technical Advisory Group, NEW Water is taking steps to implement a Regional Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Reduction Program to address “clear water” getting into the sanitary sewer system.
Wet-weather events in Northeast Wisconsin mean that NEW Water can receive upwards of three times the normal amount of water to be cleaned. And this isn’t because people are flushing their toilets three times as often. This massive influx of additional flow increases the risk of basement backups and sanitary sewer overflows, as well as pushes treatment facilities beyond their design capacity.
“Clear water” can enter sanitary sewers through prohibited sump pump connections; improper connections between stormwater and sanitary sewer systems; and leaky pipes out in the community (including residential laterals) due to tree root intrusion, aging infrastructure, and more.
The current state of I&I is neither sustainable, nor cost effective. NEW Water will continue working with its municipal customers to implement the new Program.
Learn more about I&I here >>
NEW Water recently supported the 2023 Wisconsin Senate Bill 99 (SB99) to address I&I, which would facilitate funding to address I&I on private property. Learn more about SB99 here >>
Local industries lauded
NEW Water applauds local industries, which received Significant Industrial User Awards for achieving permit compliance! Thank you industries for doing your part to protect Wisconsin’s waters!
NEW Water Executive Director testifies on behalf of water
NEW Water Executive Director and President of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), Tom Sigmund, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on March 15, to support “a permanent, reliable source of federal assistance with full funding to ensure households can afford their water and sewer bills and utilities have the resources they need to make critical investments.”
Witness the journey: take a tour!
How do we protect public health and the environment around the clock? NEW Water invites you and your staff to come tour our Green Bay Facility and witness the journey 41 million gallons of water takes, each day.
What's new at NEW Water
NEW Water held a Municipal & Industrial partner update meeting on March 29, 2023, with topics including PFAS, Facility Plan, Inflow & Infiltration, and Flooding Preparedness.