ZeroWater filters. Image courtesy: ZeroWater
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau Finance Committee is not opening up the checkbook to order additional filters from ZeroWater just yet.
The committee instructed the Water Utility to first distribute the 2,000 or so filters that remain on hand before they consider spending any additional ARPA funds on the filters, which can cost up to $12 apiece.
“There may be people who want them from us, there may be people who have already bought some and don’t expect further filters to be provided by the Government,” said Committee Chair Lisa Rasmussen. “It’s a matter of people’s desires. We’ve not heard from a massive volume of users to know what the majority wants to do. We will hold on that item.”
The committee was also hesitant to approve more funding because the city already has around 2,000 filters in storage at the water utility from residents that haven’t picked up their requested pitcher and filter set.
“Once they’ve exhausted that supply, if the plant isn’t open and there is still a need they can certainly come back to us,” said Rasmussen.
According to the manufacturer, the filters are good for up to 40 gallons of water. Each resident received two filters- one with their pitcher, and another replacement filter, meaning they are good for up to 80 gallons. Rassmussen noted that how quickly the household goes through those filters depends on how much they are using the pitcher.
Alder Doug Diny did ask how long it would take to get additional filters in stock if the city does run out before the new plant is online. Rasmussen noted that the Finance Committee is “nimble” enough that they could meet on short notice to approve additional spending.
Alder Becky McElhaney added that she would like the city to make another attempt to get those pitchers into the hands of those who requested them. She said she’s heard from many residents that their requests remain unfulfilled, including some who say they haven’t heard if their pitcher ever arrived and don’t have access to the internet or email.
The committee was agendized to approve up to $200,000 in ARPA funding for the filters. The city has already spent some $230,000 to distribute bottled water, pitchers, and filters to residents concerned about PFAS in the city’s drinking water supply.
The Water Works Commission will meet later this month to go over financing options for the installation of a PFAS filtration system at the city’s new drinking water treatment plant.
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