Fond du Lac’s Regional Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Facility celebrates industry recognition

The City of Fond du Lac’s Regional Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Facility is celebrating another successful year, highlighted by perfect environmental compliance scores, industry recognition, and major progress on renewable energy initiatives.

The facility earned a perfect 4.0 out of 4.0 on its annual Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Compliance Maintenance Report, meeting top standards in plant performance, biosolids management, staffing, finances, and energy efficiency.

Staff also received the 2026 Cooperative Educational Service Agency (CESA) Partnership Award for their work mentoring local high school students through the facility’s Youth Apprenticeship program. The program gives juniors and seniors hands-on experience in wastewater treatment careers.

In statewide competition, the facility’s “Water Bears” operations team captured first place in the Wisconsin Wastewater Operators Association, Operators Competition.

Construction also continues on a new biosolids dryer and renewable natural gas pipeline injection project. Once operational later this year, the facility will produce Class A fertilizer for agricultural use while converting all of its biogas into renewable natural gas, creating a new revenue source for the city and reducing emissions.

During 2025, the plant treated approximately 2.6 billion gallons of wastewater, reused 70 million gallons of treated water within the facility, and produced 9,840 wet tons of biosolids, with 73 percent beneficially reused as fertilizer. The city also continues using water quality trading projects, including conservation improvements near the Fond du Lac County Airport, to help meet stricter phosphorus reduction requirements.