MPU celebrates National Drinking Water Week
Manitowoc Public Utilities treats approximately 14 million gallons of water per day from Lake Michigan
MANITOWOC — Clean drinking water is essential for hydration, and overall well-being but its something we all take for granted in our everyday lives.
As part of National Drinking Water Week, an open house was held Wednesday afternoon at the Water Treatment Plant in Manitowoc. Visitors, like Bernard Johnson of Mishicot who came with his granddaughter, learned about plant operations. “I had no idea so much went into making our water safe to drink,” said Johnson. “They even have their own lab, I thought that stuff was done in Madison.”
The Water Treatment Plant, operated by Manitowoc Public Utilities (MPU), was built in 1938. According to Superintendent Brian Branam, the plant currently treats approximately 14 million gallons of water per day from Lake Michigan with a maximum capacity of 20 million gallons. The plant serves the City of Manitowoc and communities in Brown County via a 65-mile pipeline to Howard.
Open house attendees were provided with a MPU branded water bottle.
In 2023, the State of Wisconsin was chosen as one of four states in the federal EPA Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerator program. To aid property owners in replacing lead service lines, MPU has been applying for Safe Drinking Water Loan Program funds since 2017. Last year, the City of Manitowoc received more than $5.5 million in funds from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
First established in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan in partnership with the American Water Works Association, Drinking Water Week is an annual week-long recognition of water's vital role in our daily lives. From the policymakers and water advocates to the scientists, operators, inspectors and researchers, water professionals dedicate their careers to protecting our water resources. These professions work to ensure access to safe, clean water every time we turn on the tap.
To learn more about Manitowoc Public Utilities, visit mpu.org.
Follow WKTS News on Facebook and X for the latest local news.