Waukesha residents may have red, stinky water after switch to new water source

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The team at Waukesha Water Utility, Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly and even Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson on Thursday, Sept. 7, celebrated the completion of the $286 million construction project that will deliver water from Lake Michigan to Waukesha.

“This means a sustainable future for Waukesha. Water is basically absolutely necessary for our community. We were on an aquifer that was declining," said Mayor Reilly.

The construction included 36 miles of pipelines built, two 8.6-million-gallon ground storage reservoirs, and a 1-million-gallon water tower. The construction was completed in three years.

As folks involved in the project work on adding the finishing touches before the exchange of water source begins, Waukesha Water Utility General Manager Dan Duchniak wants to give residents a heads up of what to watch out for once that change happens.

“Well there’s a few things. First of all, we’re going to increase the chlorine levels in the water so people are going to notice and we’re doing that on purpose to keep people safe during the transition process," said Duchniak.

Duchniak said the high doses of chlorine and the smell will only last a month. He said water might also come out red as sediment along the pipeline is flushed out. He recommends folks to let cold water run.

“If you’re doing laundry and you get red water in your laundry, do not dry your clothes," said Duckniak.

He suggests to run additional washer cycles until the water is clear.

Duchniak also recommends homes and businesses change their filters from their refrigerators and other water systems to avoid fog up.

They're also adding ammonia long with chlorine as disinfectants, Duchniak recommended anyone going through kidney dialysis to consult a doctor. He said although the water will contain a funky smell for the first couple months, it will be safe to drink.

The change to Lake Michigan water is expected to happen mid-September, Duchniak said a precise date will be shared next week.