Racine Opens State-of-the-Art Drinking Water Filtration Plant

Racine opened a $23 million state-of-the-art drinking water filtration plant. It is unique being the largest producer in the world, 50 MGD, using submerged membrane filter technology. It is also unique because it installed membrane filters not as the primary treatment system, but as an extra barrier to further purify already finished drinking water following traditional coagulation and sedimentation. This was voluntary and proactive, not a result of any violation. It guarantees that the Racine Water Utility, which serves 117,000 customers in 5 communities, will exceed WDNR/EPA Safe Drinking Water standards for removal of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other protozoans from surface water. WDNR´s Environmental Loan Fund provided $16.7 million at 2.4% interest for 20 years. Jim Whithuhn (Bureau of Drinking Water & Groundwater Loan Specialist) and Chuck Pape (SE Region Construction Project Engineer) facilitated funding. U.S. Senator Herb Kohl acquired a $3.2 million federal grant for the new plant.

Larry Landsness (Bureau of Drinking Water & Groundwater Plan Review Engineer), was instrumental to project success due to his close collaboration with the city and their consultants during the design phase. He was recognized before a group of more than 100 officials and drinking water consultants at ribbon cutting ceremonies on October 14. Racine Public Works Director Tom Bunker and Water Superintendent Mike Kosterman each remarked that Larry was critical to project success. Traditionally DNR has not reviewed plans until specifications are complete and submitted, often leading to costly changes. In this case Larry met regularly with design teams to assure that final plans would reasonably meet DNR muster. SE Region Director Gloria McCutcheon also recognized Larry in her public congratulations, and others privately commented afterward on Larry´s good work and its reflection of the department.