Wastewater Utility

2775 Highway 17 S
Rhinelander, WI 54501
715-362-4731 (Office)
715-362-4734 (Lab)
Office hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

After hours contact information:
Sewer Backups/Water issues occurring Monday - Thursday after hours emergency number 715.361.5236

Sewer Backups/Water Issues occurring Friday - Sunday call emergency number 715.493.1212 

Help reduce the number of emergencies and back ups
by NOT flushing the following items. 

What does the Wastewater Treatment Plant do?

The City of Rhinelander Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) treats the liquid wastewater generated by the residential, business, and industrial users of the sanitary sewer system, along with commercial hauler waste. Our facilities operate in compliance with the limiting discharge parameters and rules set forth by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A state-of-the-art SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) control system allows remote monitoring of the WWTP, main lift station, lift stations, wells, chemical usage, towers, and reservoir.

We protect the investment of the users of the treatment facilities by the operation of the treatment plant, and maintenance of the main pumping station and lift stations and keeping the public informed regarding the importance of this service for the health of the community and to ensure the sustainability and cleanliness of our lakes, streams and drinking water.

The WWTP produces a class “A” biosolids product, which meets requirements for land application and provides vital nutrients as a great fertilizer enhancement for a wide range of land applications including agriculture, parks, lawns, gardens, etc.

For the history and more information regarding facilities operations please see our Wastewater Treatment Pant Brochure.

Wastewater Utility Duties:

Water

• Plant operators maintain the water supply system consisting of 5 wells, 3 towers, 1.25-million-gallon CT Reservoir, and water treatment.
• Operators are responsible for sampling and testing the drinking water at several sampling points throughout the city.
• Coliform Bacteria samples are sampled weekly, as well as various other quarterly/yearly parameters for DNR monitoring requirements.

Wastewater

• Staff operate and maintain the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).
• 20 remote lift stations and the main lift station are maintained by the operators.
• Operators collect samples daily/weekly to be analyzed for process changes, along with sampling per DNR requirements.

Laboratory

• Uniquely, both water and wastewater analyses are performed in the on-site registered laboratory based at the treatment plant. Wastewater analysis for BOD, TSS, Phosphorus, Ammonia, E. coli, as well as other testing for plant process control is performed, along with pH, free chlorine, and fluoride on drinking water.

Licenses/Credentials

• Utility staff hold WDNR licenses and credentials necessary to operate the WWTP (Advanced Wastewater - A1, B, C, D, L, P, SS) and water system (Waterworks Grade 1 – D & G).

Slide photo credit of dreamstime.com