HomeMy WebLinkAboutFAQCITY OF OSHKOSH CLEARWELLS REPLACEMENT PROJECT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Clearwells Replacement Project?
The Clearwells Replacement Project (Project) involves the construction of two new 1-million-gallon capacity
reservoirs to store drinking water, two new 13.7 million gallons per day pump stations, installation of replacement
emergency electrical generators and replacement of ozone equipment used for primary disinfection at the City of
Oshkosh Water Filtration Plant.
Why do we need the Clearwells Replacement Project?
The Water Filtration Plant Clearwells are buried tanks used to store drinking water that is supplied to customers.
The Clearwells are over 100 years old and do not meet today’s safe drinking water regulations that prohibit
drinking water storage tanks and associated buried gravity piping and pump stations to located where it can be
impacted by groundwater or in the 100-year flood plain. The Project is needed to replace the Clearwells with new
at-grade storage Reservoirs that comply with State requirements. A new Intermediate Pump Station is needed to
fill the Reservoirs and a replacement High Lift Pump Station is needed to pump water to customers and fill
distribution system water towers.
The Water Filtration Plant includes emergency generators used to provide backup power to the facility and an
ozone system used to disinfect drinking water. These assets have reliability and obsolescence issues due to changes
in technologies and are prioritized for replacement in the Water Utility Asset Management Plan. Their scheduled
replacement in the City Capital Improvement Program coincides with the current Clearwells Replacement Project
schedule. To minimize potential construction phase conflicts, disruptions to Water Filtration Plant operations, and
administrative costs, all improvements will be implemented in a single construction contract.
Can we fix, rather than replace, the Clearwells?
To bring the existing Clearwells, associated buried piping and Pump Stations up to code requires construction of
secondary containment systems that prevent groundwater or flood water from coming into direct contact with
drinking water. Technical evaluation of secondary containment system alternatives revealed these would be more
costly to construct, more challenging to maintain, and less protective of public health than constructing new at-
grade Reservoirs and Pump Stations.
Why is the project important to me, my family, and my neighbors?
As the City of Oshkosh water supply, treatment, storage and distribution system ages, the Water Utility must
replace old infrastructure to continue to reliably produce and deliver safe drinking water to homes, businesses, and
institutions throughout the City. Replacement infrastructure is designed and operated to meet current codes,
regulations, and drinking water industry best practices.
When will construction start and when will it end?
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2022 and should be completed in 2024.
How will traffic be affected during construction?
To protect public safety and provide space to construct the new reservoirs, Lake Shore Drive will be closed during
construction; however, public access to Lake Winnebago from Merritt Avenue will be maintained.
Construction vehicles are required to use City-authorized Truck Haul Routes or face financial penalties.
Construction traffic will access the Water Filtration Plant site from Merritt Avenue. If Merritt Avenue is closed,
construction traffic will access the site from Washington Avenue.
How much will the Clearwells Replacement Project Cost?
The estimated total project cost is $34.4 million, with $29.8 million construction cost and $4.6 million for
engineering, permitting, construction management, inspection, and administration.
Will water rates increase?
Yes, the cost of the project is included in a proposed plan to incrementally increase water rates. The rate case design
is currently in its final stages of preparation.