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

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

Shore Well Structure

August 2023 - Progress on the shore well building

August 2023 - View From the Barge

Shore Well Structure

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

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.

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!

Sheeting Removal

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

Diver

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

Overview of Project Work

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

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

Important Notices

Local Notice to Mariners From US Coast Guard - May 2023

From 5 May 2023 to 1 December 2023 Kokosing Industrial Inc will be conducting pipeline installation and dredging in Sheboygan WI. Hours of operations are from 0700 to 1900 with a possibility of 24 hour operations 7 days a week. Tug Nancy Anne can be contacted on VHF channels 13 and 16.
Kokosing IV barge will be working on spuds with accompanying Tug Nancy Anne. Operations will be approximately 1.25 miles north of Sheboygan river entrance. Diving operations are present, nearby vessels maintain 500 foot CPA, minimum.
Pleasure craft and passing vessels should remain a safe distance from the work at all times.
Additional barges will be moored on anchor buoys inside the Sheboygan river break walls. All mariners are requested to transit the area with caution.

Current Local Notice to Mariners (see page 16)

Weekly link to updated Local Notice to Mariners

Project Fact Sheet