Study aims to resolve iron issues

High levels of iron in one of Saukville’s groundwater wells have prompted a study of the village’s water system. 

Water Utility Superintendent Dale Kropidlowski said the Village of Saukville has received more calls from residents about water discoloration caused by iron than usual this year. 

“This year we’ve had more than usual water quality concerns, with discolored water for residents,” he said. 

During Monday’s Utility Committee meeting, Kropidlowski said while water samples have only been tested in-house, rather than being sent to a lab, he believes well number five, the village’s shallowest well, is the culprit of the hard water. 

According to village testing, water pumped from well five has 1.7 milligrams of iron per liter, then .9 milligrams per liter after it is treated with sodium silicate — well above the Department of Natural Resource’s recommendation. 

“The DNR, their baseline, they like to see .3 milliliters going into the system. That’s their number,” Kropidlowski said. 

Kropidlowski added other wells tested in the village test at .3 milliliters per liter. 

The DNR’s recommendation is not based on any detrimental health effect but levels above .3 milligrams may appear red, brown or yellow, or have a metallic taste or odor, according to DNR information. Iron is not considered hazardous to health and is in fact essential for good health, the DNR states. 

Kropidlowski said if well five is the cause of the hard water, it is likely a new filtration system will be needed, noting chemical treatment can only go so far. 

“We’re at a breaking point. We can’t add anymore chemical, it’s not going to help,” he said. 

But before any decision is made on the new water filter, Kropidlowski said the Water Utility Department will need to conduct a study in which water samples from all of the village’s wells are sent to a lab for testing. 

When the results are available, Village Administrator Dawn Wagner said the matter will come back to the Village Board for consideration on a new water filter. 

Kropidlowski said funding the village received through the American Rescue Plan Act may be eligible for the filter project and study but that the village will have to ensure the funds can be used for the project.