Sherwood responds to DNR water-quality alert while pursuing new well and treatment fixes

The Village of Sherwood notified customers and the state after its water utility exceeded the maximum contaminant level for total trihalomethanes (TTHM), officials said. The utility mailed a DNR-required public notice in mid-April and later attended a DNR enforcement conference to discuss a compliance schedule.

Village and utility officials said the exceedance prompted a two-track response: immediate operational steps to reduce contaminant formation and a search for a reliable long-term water source. Utility staff reported that adding ferrous chloride at Lift Station #3 helped downstream treatment performance, and the Board authorized construction of a small chemical-feed building and equipment to make that change permanent as an interim mitigation.

The village also sought additional groundwater sources. Engineers reported one recently drilled test well (site #5) produced insufficient water for use as a permanent supply and advised drilling at alternative test sites (3A/3B). Separately, the Board and staff negotiated with the High Cliff Restaurant over drilling a test well on their property (test well #7) as a possible long-term supply route. Engineering and consultant reports prepared for the Board recommend further aquifer testing and pumping tests to establish sustainability before committing to a final treatment plan.

Financial and regulatory timelines remain uncertain. Village consultants advised the Board that a DNR consent order could be drafted with dates left open while Sherwood continues technical evaluations and discussions with the City of Appleton about potential regional supply options. Village leaders said they will wait for July sampling before taking additional corrective measures but have already budgeted for engineering and interim treatment work.

The Board authorized the engineering and construction expenditures connected with the ferrous-chloride feed building in an emergency action following DNR guidance and attorney advice on bidding thresholds; the utility commission later recommended formal public bidding for the full project scope.