What about phosphorus?

Originally, this project was intended to accommodate design and equipment to meet the new phosphorus standards adopted by WDNR on December 1, 2013. With this new water quality standard the allowable concentration for phosphorus discharge is lowered from 1 milligrams per liter to 0.075 milligrams per liter in Whitewater Creek. Because of cost savings, possible technological advances, fluctuating regulations and the potential for more cost effective solutions we have elected to postpone construction as a solution to meet phosphorus compliance regulations at this time.


When our new permit is issued we will have 7 to 9 years to meet these target levels, if construction is the chosen route. Based on current estimates this would have added an additional $4 million to this project. The options for phosphorus compliance are a discussion in its own right. This will be addressed with council and the regulatory community in the near future. Per the WDNR we will have until approximately 2017 to 2018 to decide on our chosen route for compliance.


As part of this upgrade Whitewater will be transitioning from chemical phosphorus removal to a biological phosphorus removal strategy. Chemical removal equipment will remain in place for emergencies and final effluent polishing as needed. Some cost savings will be realized with this change.

Show All Answers

1. How long has this project been planned for?
2. What is the history of the Facility Plan?
3. What is the project status?
4. What will the impact be on my sewer use rate?
5. What is incorporated into Wastewater Utility debt?
6. Will this be the end of rate increases for a long period?
7. Why do we need this project?
8. Can the project be accomplished in phases?
9. What equipment will be repurposed?
10. What processes has the City selected?
11. What about phosphorus?
12. Tell me more about TM4 and why would we add more cost to this project?
13. What new regulatory items are on the horizon?
14. Will there be new challenges with the new treatment system?