Contact: Mayor Jack Chiovatero
Phone: 262-797-2441
Fax: 262-780-4601
New Berlin Mayor Jack Chiovatero today issued the following statement regarding the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announcement approving the City’s application to move forward to develop an agreement to access the Lake Michigan water supply for residential use.
“We are pleased that after conducting a thorough review of the science, engineering and hydrology of our application, the Wisconsin DNR on behalf of Governor Doyle today authorized the City of New Berlin to immediately pursue securing Lake Michigan water for use by residents in the western half of our Utility of our City. The DNR indicated New Berlin’s application clearly demonstrates there will be no adverse impact whatsoever on water quantity in Lake Michigan and that in fact, water quality will actually be improved by the proposal.
New Berlin Mayor Jack Chiovatero today issued the following statement regarding the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announcement approving the City’s application to move forward to develop an agreement to access the Lake Michigan water supply for residential use.
“We are pleased that after conducting a thorough review of the science, engineering and hydrology of our application, the Wisconsin DNR on behalf of Governor Doyle today authorized the City of New Berlin to immediately pursue securing Lake Michigan water for use by residents in the western half of our Utility of our City. The DNR indicated New Berlin’s application clearly demonstrates there will be no adverse impact whatsoever on water quantity in Lake Michigan and that in fact, water quality will actually be improved by the proposal.
“We fully agree with the DNR’s recommendation to develop an agreement, and we look forward to ongoing dialogue with the City of Milwaukee. We strongly believe that together, we can develop a mutually beneficial approach to solving what is clearly a major health and safety issue for our residents.
“The DNR approval underscores that New Berlin’s efforts will not only be in compliance with state law, but they will also provide significant environmental protection for the Lake Michigan watershed. Water used by New Berlin would be returned to Lake Michigan through the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and contain fewer contaminants. The plan would also result in less pressure on deep water aquifers, allowing them to replenish naturally. The DNR additionally praised the City’s application for going above and beyond in meeting the standards of the Great Lakes Compact, calling our application an excellent effort and confirming we are doing the right thing.
“We applaud the DNR’s decision today and look forward to working in the spirit of regional cooperation with Milwaukee. We hope that Milwaukee will see the progress that we have also made as a community on meeting transportation needs, affordable housing and land use issues. Additionally, New Berlin’s commitment to water conservation continues through conservation rate structures and city-wide sprinkling restrictions.
“It is important for New Berlin to meet the EPA mandate for safe drinking water. Today’s DNR decision is confirmation that our City is on the right track with a plan that protects the health and safety of New Berlin residents and preserves our environment and Lake Michigan.”
“We fully agree with the DNR’s recommendation to develop an agreement, and we look forward to ongoing dialogue with the City of Milwaukee. We strongly believe that together, we can develop a mutually beneficial approach to solving what is clearly a major health and safety issue for our residents.
“The DNR approval underscores that New Berlin’s efforts will not only be in compliance with state law, but they will also provide significant environmental protection for the Lake Michigan watershed. Water used by New Berlin would be returned to Lake Michigan through the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and contain fewer contaminants. The plan would also result in less pressure on deep water aquifers, allowing them to replenish naturally. The DNR additionally praised the City’s application for going above and beyond in meeting the standards of the Great Lakes Compact, calling our application an excellent effort and confirming we are doing the right thing.
“We applaud the DNR’s decision today and look forward to working in the spirit of regional cooperation with Milwaukee. We hope that Milwaukee will see the progress that we have also made as a community on meeting transportation needs, affordable housing and land use issues. Additionally, New Berlin’s commitment to water conservation continues through conservation rate structures and city-wide sprinkling restrictions.
“It is important for New Berlin to meet the EPA mandate for safe drinking water. Today’s DNR decision is confirmation that our City is on the right track with a plan that protects the health and safety of New Berlin residents and preserves our environment and Lake Michigan.”
