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HISTORY |
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The first pipes of the Freeport Water Company were laid in July of 1882 after Nathan Shelton of Annapolis, Maryland, answered a plea in the newspapers for a water system. By 1889, 12 million gallons of water a month were being pumped through 12 miles of mains and an 88 foot water tower on Whistler St. In 1937, the city bought the water system and established a commission headquartered in City Hall. This has lead to the management of three elevated tanks, six wells, 28,000 customers, and 120 miles of mains. Currently, over 4 million gallons of water, is pumped through the mains daily. The earliest sewer system of Freeport dumped untreated sewage into the Pecatonica River. In 1934, Freeport was warned by the state that a treatment plant must be built. In 1968, over 5 million dollars was raised through grants and bond sales to fund the project. The project included five new lift stations, treatment plant expansion and a pilot research program. In 1999, the wastewater plant is about to be expanded again with new treatment equipment, processes, and upgrades. This $12 million dollar project will help to keep the wastewater plant running smoothly for the next 20 years. For the Water and Sewer Commission change has been a common experience. The most recent and drastic change has been the involvement of United Water Services. In 1997, the city contracted United Water Services to help oversee and manage the day to day activities of the water and sewer commission’s personnel and facilities. United Water Services is one of the world’s largest private manager of water supply and wastewater treatment systems. They service more than 70 million customers in over 100 countries on six different continents. In the United States alone, they manage some of the largest cities water and sewer departments. For example, in Indianapolis, Indiana United Water is under contract to save the city more than $189 million over the next ten years. Atlanta, Houston, Jersey City, Milwaukee, Gary and Boise are just a few more prestigious city contracts. United Water brings to Freeport a plan to save the city 10-15% for the next 5 years. Along with money saving plans, UWS brings a solid commitment to employees relations. UWS believes that the most important factor contributing to quality service is a well-prepared and motivated workforce.. The
city of Freeport in conjunction with United Water has given Freeport one
of the lowest water and sewer rates in this area. The Water and
Sewer Commission has provided water since 1937 and sewer since 1939, and we
will carry the city proudly and safely well into the next millennium. |
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