WaterSurplus Joins Kaukauna Utilities Groundbreaking For New ImpactRO Water Treatment System

Kaukauna, WI — WaterSurplus, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hawkins, Inc., joined Kaukauna Utilities and other project partners yesterday to celebrate the groundbreaking for the first of two new 1,650 gallon/minute (gpm) treatment systems that will be built at each of two new treatment sites.

Held at the site of Kaukauna’s Water Treatment Plant No. 1, the ceremony marked the official start of construction on the utility’s long-term Water Treatment System Improvement Project, which will replace aging infrastructure and improve water quality for the community.

The project follows a multi-year planning process that began with a 2022 water system study commissioned by the city evaluating supply capacity, storage, treatment assets, current and future demand, alternatives, water sources, and long-term asset management needs. The process concluded with WaterSurplus’ completion of a pilot study in the spring of 2025 and the Public Commission of Wisconsin's issuance of a Certificate of Authority.

“We are proud to support Kaukauna Utilities with a treatment solution designed to improve water quality, simplify operations, and create long-term value for the community,” said Jim Ryan, Executive Vice President of WaterSurplus.

The system’s primary treatment technology is WaterSurplus’s steady-state, high-recovery ImpactRO reverse osmosis platform. Reverse osmosis uses advanced membrane technology to reduce hardness and other dissolved substances, helping Kaukauna Utilities produce more consistent water quality while making efficient use of its water supply. Because RO can also reduce many emerging contaminants, this system gives the utility added flexibility to address future water quality needs that may not be a concern today.

The system also includes WaterPlus pre-engineered filtration systems with OxiPlus⁷⁵ catalytic media to treat iron and manganese, which can affect water’s taste, color, and appearance. Together, the filtration and RO technologies are expected to reduce iron and manganese levels to below 0.3 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L, respectively, and lower water hardness from current levels near 40 grains to a target of approximately 5.5 grains. The combined approach is designed to provide dependable treatment in a compact, efficient system that produces more potable water and uses less water for backwash.

Construction is beginning in summer 2026, with project completion anticipated in summer 2028.

About WaterSurplus

WaterSurplus is a leader in sustainable water treatment, delivering high-performance solutions across industries. Since its founding in 1989, the company has led advancements in reverse osmosis systems, fouling-resistant membrane elements, PFAS treatment technologies, and pre-engineered filtration systems featuring proprietary catalytic media. Its team of industry experts is committed to helping customers reach their goals through innovative technologies and responsive support. WaterSurplus also offers an availability advantage through its ready-to-run rental fleet. Based in Loves Park, Illinois, WaterSurplus is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hawkins, Inc. (Nasdaq: HWKN), a leading provider of water treatment and specialty ingredients. For more information, visit watersurplus.com.