WaterSurplus has joined Kaukauna Utilities and project partners to mark the groundbreaking for a new reverse osmosis water treatment system in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.
The ceremony was held at the site of Kaukauna’s Water Treatment Plant No. 1 and marks the start of construction on the first of two new 1,650 gallon-per-minute treatment systems planned at two new treatment sites.
The systems form part of Kaukauna Utilities’ long-term Water Treatment System Improvement Project, which is designed to replace ageing infrastructure and improve water quality for local customers.
Reverse osmosis project moves into construction
The project follows a multi-year planning process that began with a 2022 water system study. Kaukauna Utilities said the study reviewed water supply capacity, storage, existing treatment assets, current and future demand, alternative treatment approaches, water sources and long-term asset management needs.
The process included a reverse osmosis pilot study completed in spring 2025, followed by regulatory approvals that allowed construction to move forward. Kaukauna Utilities’ official project timeline lists construction beginning in 2026, with completion anticipated in summer 2028.
“We are proud to support Kaukauna Utilities with a treatment solution designed to improve water quality, simplify operations, and create long-term value for the community,” said Jim Ryan, Executive Vice President of WaterSurplus.
Kaukauna Utilities has said the project remains one of the most important infrastructure investments in its history.
“Receiving these approvals allows us to continue moving forward with construction while remaining focused on delivering higher quality water for our customers for generations to come,” said Michael Avanzi, General Manager of Kaukauna Utilities, in a previous project update.
ImpactRO selected for water quality improvements
The primary treatment technology will be WaterSurplus’ steady-state, high-recovery ImpactRO reverse osmosis platform.
Reverse osmosis uses membrane technology to reduce hardness and dissolved substances in water. For Kaukauna Utilities, the system is intended to produce more consistent water quality while improving use of the available water supply.
The project will also include WaterPlus pre-engineered filtration systems with OxiPlus75 catalytic media to treat iron and manganese, which can affect the taste, colour and appearance of drinking water.
According to the project announcement, the combined filtration and reverse osmosis approach is expected to reduce iron and manganese levels to below 0.3 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L respectively, while reducing water hardness from around 40 grains to a target of approximately 5.5 grains.
Completion expected in 2028
Construction is beginning in summer 2026, with completion expected in summer 2028.
WaterSurplus is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hawkins, Inc. and provides water treatment systems, reverse osmosis technologies, PFAS treatment, filtration systems and rental equipment from its base in Loves Park, Illinois.
More information is available from Kaukauna Utilities’ reverse osmosis project page.
FAQs
What is Kaukauna Utilities building?
Kaukauna Utilities is building two new water treatment systems, each designed for 1,650 gallons per minute, at two new treatment sites.
What technology will the project use?
The project will use WaterSurplus’ ImpactRO reverse osmosis platform, alongside pre-engineered filtration systems using OxiPlus75 catalytic media.
What water quality improvements are expected?
The systems are expected to reduce iron, manganese and hardness, with a target hardness of approximately 5.5 grains compared with current levels near 40 grains.
When is the project expected to be completed?
Kaukauna Utilities lists summer 2028 as the anticipated completion date for the Water Treatment System Improvement Project.
