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Resources for the Madison Community
Madison stands with the families of Abundant Life community. This page is dedicated to connecting victims and the broader community to resources and accurate information about the tragic events that happened on December 16.
Well 31 Construction
Project Details
Project Information
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Madison Water Utility is building a new well facility and water reservoir at 4901 Tradewinds Parkway to bring better fire protection and more reliable service to the Southeast Side. Construction of the $1.6 million ground storage reservoir was completed in May 2016. Currently, the well and filter building are under construction by Miron Construction Co, Inc. The water treatment plan is scheduled to be completed and in-service by July 2018. Construction cost: $5.9 million.
Latest News
Construction is complete and Well 31 is now in service! Thanks to everyone who provided feedback and support during this project. In September of 2018, water from Well 31 was named Best Tasting Water in Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Section of the American Water Works Association. Its water will be entered in the national taste test next year.
Project Background
On December 15, 2009, the Madison Water Utility Board voted to drill a new well at 4901 Tradewinds Pkwy to solve fire protection and supply redundancy problems in the area known as Pressure Zone 4, which serves areas in east and southeast Madison. Pressure Zone 4 is currently supplied by a single source, Unit Well 9, which makes the zone vulnerable to service interruptions. This Zone is also expanding rapidly to the southeast, away from Unit Well 9, making it difficult to move water efficiently and effectively to where it is needed.
You can find more pictures and background on the Well 31 project on our Inside MWU page.
Anticipated Project Schedule
Construction of Reservoir 31: August 2015 to May 2016
Construction of well facility: June 2017 to July 2018
Past Meetings / Additional Information
May 2016
Madison Water Utility contracted with DN Tanks, Inc. for the construction of the 1.5 million gallon concrete ground storage reservoir on the Well 31 site. The reservoir construction consisted of casting and forming concrete reservoir components on-site, erecting and wire-winding the concrete panels, and applying finish coatings & architectural masonry. The reservoir was completed in May, 2016.
Reservoir 31 – May, 2016:
April-May 2015
The proposed site use and facility design were approved by the Urban Design Commission (including public hearing) at the April 22, 2015 meeting, and by the City of Madison Plan Commission (including public hearing) at the May 4, 2015 meeting.
Concept rendering of Well 31 Facility (4/2015)
Well 31 site plan concept drawing (4/2015)
March 11, 2015 - Urban Design Commission Meeting
The initial design concept for Well 31 was presented to the Urban Design Commission for informational purposes. Click here for the concept renderings and posters presented at the meeting.
Dec. 23, 2014 - MWU Board Meeting
MWU presented the follow-up energy and upper aquifer well analysis which was requested at the 11/25 Water Board meeting. We were then authorized to proceed with design concept 1A (detached circular reservoir option with concrete filter backwash tanks). The Water Utility Board has approved an initial design featuring a detached circular reservoir with concrete filter backwash tanks. We are now beginning to work on final design/construction documents as well as beginning the permitting and approval procedures for the proposed facility.
Nov. 25 - MWU Board Meeting
Design concept option presented to MWU Board
Nov. 17, 2014 - Public meeting on latest design alternatives
Meeting handouts:
Meeting invitation postcard
Design Option 1:
Schematic Images
Elevation and Site Plans
Design Option 2:
Schematic Images
Elevation and Site Plans
Sept. 30, 2014 - Initial public meeting about construction held on site
Meeting handouts:
Map of Pressure Zone 4 and nearby neighborhoods
Possible site layout alternatives
Feb. 2014 - Pumping test completed
We ran the well at full capacity, pumping 2,200 gallons per minute for 14 days (see a brief video clip). The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey then did a physical logging of the 915 ft well bore hole to determine characteristics of surrounding geological formations.
- Zone 4 Augmentation Scoping Document
- Zone 4 Augmentation Public Participation Plan
- Zone 4 Augmentation Communication Plan
- Zone 4 Exhibits
- Zone 4 Notice of Public Hearing 12/15/09
- Zone 4 Fireflow Map
July 2, 2013 - Common Council Meeting
Madison's Common Council awarded a contract to Municipal Well & Pump to drill a new Unit Well (Unit Well 31). Drilling began in October 2013 at the selected site at 4901 Tradewinds Pkwy and was completed two months later.
Aug. 2, 2011 - Common Council Meeting
Madison's Common Council awarded Public Works Contract 6729, Pressure Zone 4 Test Well, to Municipal Well & Pump for $84,751.
Sept. 6, 2011 - Common Council Meeting
Madison's Common Council authorized the City to execute an agreement with Genesis Commons LLC for an option to purchase Lot 9 of the Genesis Plat subject to the drilling of a successful test well. The address of this parcel is 4901 Tradewinds Parkway.
April 27, 2011 - MWU Board Meeting public hearing
A public hearing was held before the Water Utility Board to discuss the purchase of a site for a new well.
March 31, 2011 - Public Meeting
A public meeting was held Thursday, 3/31/11 at LaFollette High School to update the community on the project and get further input on the areas being considered for siting the well.
Feb. 24, 2011 - Citizens Advisory Meeting
A Zone 4 Water Supply Augmentation CAP Meeting was held in Conference Room A & B at the Madison Water Utility Main Office, 119 E Olin Ave.
Feb. 10, 2010 - Public Meeting
A Public Meeting was held at LaFollette High School to update the community on the Pressure Zone 4 Water Supply Augmentation Project and get input on the areas being considered for siting a new water supply well on the Southeast side of Madison.