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The City of Bloomer recently completed a transformative $22.5 million infrastructure project that replaced aging lead-jointed water mains and upgraded stormwater systems to protect public health, improve environmental sustainability, and support long-term community growth. Prompted by elevated lead levels in the city’s drinking water, the project ensures safe, lead-free water for more than 3,600 residents. Designed and managed by CBS², the effort included innovative solutions like GPS-enabled pipe tracking and on-site material recycling to reduce costs and environmental impact. With major funding from the USDA and minimal local financial burden, the project not only meets current needs but also prepares Bloomer’s infrastructure for future development.
APWA Wisconsin - 2025 Project of the Year, Small Cities/Rural Communities - Environment
ACEC Wisconsin - 2025 Engineering Excellence Best of State
ACEC National - 2025 Engineering Excellence National Recognition Award
The project was driven by a critical public health issue: elevated levels of lead in the city’s drinking water. The original water mains, some dating back nearly a century, were constructed using lead-jointed cast iron pipes. As these pipes aged, the risk of lead contamination increased. The city’s proactive response resulted in the complete replacement of 35,000 feet of lead-jointed water main—making Bloomer one of the first municipalities in Wisconsin to fully eliminate lead-jointed pipes from its distribution system. Approximately 30 blocks were found to have lead jointed water mains, and another 20 blocks were included due to proximity and known sanitary sewer issues. The project now ensures safe, clean drinking water for more than 3,600 residents.
Beyond water main replacement, the project also focused on upgrading outdated stormwater infrastructure. New, larger culverts and storm sewer pipes were installed to increase capacity and reduce the risk of flooding, protecting property and improving water quality through better runoff management. Innovative practices—such as recycling removed asphalt and concrete on-site for reuse—helped reduce project costs and environmental impact. By using GPS-enabled tracking for new water main materials, the city also ensured long-term accountability and system resilience.
Thanks to significant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the largest grant the USDA has ever given for a lead removal project in the United States, the City of Bloomer was able to complete this transformative project with minimal financial impact on local taxpayers. The investment supports not only improved public health and safety but also long-term economic vitality by reducing maintenance costs, minimizing water loss, and enhancing infrastructure reliability.
CBS²'s skilled engineers provided leadership and expertise in project management and funding opportunities, helping the City of Bloomer secure the necessary resources to remove lead from their water system and ensure the safety of its residents.
ACEC 2025 Engineering Excellence judge Bridget Henk: “CBS2 should be commended for their approach to addressing the lead in the drinking water and improving the quality of life City of Bloomer residents. The team improved the water distribution system, roadways, and drainage on an accelerated timeframe during a global pandemic. Their approach and execution went above and beyond for the community and exemplifies engineering excellence.”
At CBS Squared, our mission is to positively impact our communities and environment by providing exceptional architectural, engineering, survey, and construction management & oversight services to our clients.
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