Cleaner Water, Happier Residents: City of Oconomowoc Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan
The City of Oconomowoc’s Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) began experiencing trouble with its grit removal system after roughly 45 years in operation. The old technology was no longer efficient, used too much energy, and was costly to maintain. The City turned to R/M for an evaluation of its current processes and to explore its best options for better, cleaner grit removal.
Our team created a facility plan that involved:
Identifying the current system’s ongoing issues and inefficiencies.
Identifying contemporary solutions and new technologies that would improve the City’s grit removal process.
Presenting several functional alternatives to the City’s current grit removal system.
After reviewing our recommendations, the City visited several WWTF operators to observe different grit removal technologies. Ultimately, the City decided to implement an inclined stack tray system. The new system captures more grit (including ultra-fine particles), uses less energy, and requires less maintenance, ultimately saving the City money.
Exploring Upgrades: The Columbus Water and Light Water System Study
Columbus Water & Light is a municipally-owned and operated electric and water utility that serves nearly 5,100 residents in the City of Columbus, Wisconsin. The City had not completed a water system study since 2004, so they enlisted the help of R/M to evaluate their current system and make recommendation’s based on the following:
Identifying existing population, land use, and water consumption.
Reviewing existing water system facilities.
Estimating future community growth and water consumption projections.
Identifying the basis of design for water system improvements.
Evaluating water system supply and storage needs.
Preparing a water system network flow analysis.
Developing a recommended plan of improvements to meet current and future needs.
R/M’s final recommendations included a Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) that incorporated strategic efforts to meet short and long-term storage needs as well as long-term distribution system expansion to accommodate future community growth.
Learn More
Questions on how R/M can help your community improve its water and/or wastewater facility’s processes and save on costs? Contact one of our experts today!
About the Authors
David W. Arnott, P.E.
Team Leader/Senior Project Manager
Dave has extensive experience in the planning, design, and construction project management of wastewater treatment facility renovation and upgrade projects. Areas of expertise include treatment processes, hydraulics, mechanical equipment, and wastewater disinfection. He also has experience in sanitary and water pumping station design and sanitary sewer wet weather facilities.
Donald J. Heikkila, P.E.
Project Manager
Don has extensive experience in the planning, design, and construction of water supply and wastewater management facilities. He also has experience with design of electrical distribution and control systems, and start-up of water and wastewater treatment processes. Don has been with Ruekert & Mielke, Inc. (R/M) since 2016.
