The City of Gillett Utility manages the water and sewer department for the City of Gillett. The current wastewater treatment plant was built in 1980 on Quarterline Road in the township of Gillett. Between the years 1981 and 2007 the wastewater treatment plant met all requirements for discharge regulated by the DNR. These are good regulations as it keeps our waters in Wisconsin clean and safe. The wastewater treatment plant has surpassed the life expectancy of 20 years to meet water quality standards. Periodically the DNR inspects and issues discharge permits according to the state water standards for all wastewater treatment plants in Wisconsin. Recently in 2008 the state wastewater standards have been lowered, thus making the Gillett wastewater treatment plant harder to achieve these standards.           

The wastewater treatment plant will be upgraded to meet the forthcoming water standards. Gillett is not alone as many other communities are faced with these changes. The Utility began working in 2008 by researching options, designs, and funding for the upcoming DNR required changes needed for the wastewater treatment plant.

The Utility is currently looking to install a recirculating gravel filtration plant to meet the current and ever changing future water standards. The Utility has been investigating the most cost effective plan for the upcoming project. In 2008 the Utility began raising sewer rates in yearly increments rather than a onetime rate increase. The next sewer rate increase will begin on 1/1/2011 and another increase will begin on 1/1/2012 to help the funding of the project. A $12.00 increase per sewer user per month will take effect starting with the feburary 2011 water billing.

The Utility will continue to work and provide information on upcoming projects to keep our community informed and post these projects on the City’s webpage.