Water Utility

The Franklin Water Utility was created on July 1, 1977.  The Utility's water storage system consists of a 2,000,000 gallon water storage tank, a 500,000 gallon water tower, and 4 ground storage reservoirs.  

The source of water is Lake Michigan, which is one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. The water distributed by the Utility is purchased from the Oak Creek Water and Sewer Utility, which performs all of the necessary water filtration and treatment.  Oak Creek has won several awards for high quality water.  The water distributed by the Franklin Utility meets all Federal and State regulations.  [See Annual Water Quality Report-Franklin / Annual Water Quality Report-Milwaukee English/Spanish (a few Franklin residents are on City of Milwaukee water).]  

In addition to providing water for daily use, the Utility also provides water, hydrants, and distribution mains for adequate community fire protection.    

Unlike City Departments, the Water Utility is not supported through the property taxes.  It pays the City a tax equivalent of approximately $800,000 annually.  The Utility is self supporting through the sale of water and services and is regulated by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  The Wisconsin Public Service Commission sets the water rates.  City of Franklin Water/Sewer Rates

The Mission of the Franklin Water Utility is to reliably deliver reasonably priced, safe, high quality potable water of sufficient quantity to meet customer consumption and fire protection needs, and to earn customer and elected official confidence through sound fiscal management, efficient operations, and effective communications.

The Franklin Water Utility is governed by a 5-member Board of Water Commissioners. 

SERVICES:

• Operates and maintains well and pump houses.

• Inventories, installs, reads, and maintains meters including upgrades and change outs.  Inventories and maintains valves, hydrants, telemetry, reservoirs, and elevated towers.  

• Responds to and resolves water customer complaints and concerns.

• Repairs lateral and main breaks.

• Locates all utility infrastructure as requested and required by Digger's Hotline.

• Performs present time and follow-up inspection on all new utility construction. 

• Bills and collects amounts due for water services.