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Raw Water Improvements (RWI) Project

The Sheboygan Water Utility has been planning to replace critical raw water infrastructure for many years. This includes all of the systems needed to acquire water from Lake Michigan and then send it through the water treatment plant: A New Intake Pipeline System, Shore well, and Low Lift Pumping Station. These critical systems provide water to all citizens of Sheboygan, Sheboygan Falls, and Kohler.

Preliminary engineering design work began in 2020. Construction work began in 2022. The project is expected to be completed in 2024. This is the Utility’s largest project since 1959.

Project Updates

January 2024 Update: Work has continued through the winter months. 

Read the latest here: January 2024 Update 

September 2023 Update: After a summer of hard work, the Raw Water Improvements Project has come along way. 

Check out the September 2023 Project Update HERE

8.18.2023 Drone
Shore Well Structure

August 2023 - Progress on the shore well building

8.18.2023 from barge 003

August 2023 - View From the Barge

Floor Aerial
Shore Well Structure

July 2023 - An aerial view of the now completed concrete ground floor of the shore well structure.

7.19.2023 3

July 2023 - The Utility's contractor has now installed pipe out to about 1,000’ and in about 15’ depth of water. On a good day, they plan to install up to 4-5 pipes, which is 160’-200’. They do have to go out to 6,500’, so much work remains.

June 2023 v6
Filling Up

June 2023 - After roughly 200 trucks of concrete, the shore well for the new raw water pumping station is being filled with water for the watertightness testing. The marine contractor has completed their pipe connections to the structure and will continue their 24/7 trench operations into the lake. Each intake pipe section is 60 inches in diameter and 40 feet in length!

20230602 Sheeting Removal v2
Sheeting Removal

June 2-3,2023 - The marine contractor worked diligently overnight to remove the sheeting.

20230602 Diver entering water v4
Diver

June 2, 2023 - A diver enters the water for underwater work.

20230602 Overview v9
Overview of Project Work

June 2, 2023 - An overview of the project area. Shown are the Kokosing barges and spoil piles.

First Install
First Sections of Intake Pipeline Installed

May 31, 2023 - After much anticipation, the first 60" diameter intake pipe section was installed at the shoreline sheeting. The pipes are 40 feet in length and will be installed out to a total length of 6,500 feet from shore. Due to weather conditions and project schedules, the Lake contractor will be working through the night when feasible to keep the project on schedule and on budget. Nighttime work will primarily focus on excavating a trench for the pipe to be installed on the following day. Materials, including pipe, will be moved by barge from harbor in Manitowoc as needed.

15,000,000 Gallons

# of Gallons Produced at the Plant Each Day

27,000,000 Gallons

Max # of Gallons Needed in Summer Each Day

24 Hours

# of Hours Each Day the Water Plant Operates

The New Intake Pipe Line

6,500 Feet

Length of the New Line

60 Inches

Diameter of the New Line

100 Years

Life Expectancy of the New Line