DARLINGTON - A new state program is honoring Darlington as one of Wisconsin's first Water Star communities today for its exemplary water protection efforts.
The new program, Water Star, was launched on Earth Day and honors cities, villages, towns and counties that have taken steps to protect surface water and groundwater, such as strengthening stormwater controls, ensuring water quality, protecting habitats and encouraging residents to conserve water.
Water Star program sponsors include the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Cooperative Extension, MSA Professional Services, Town and County RC & D, Rock River Coalition, UW-Extension Environmental Resources Center, Dane County, Natural Resources Consulting Inc., Wisconsin Public Service Commission and Ruekert-Mielke.
About five years ago, Darlington began tackling inefficiencies in its water system to reduce water losses and energy use. Water system improvements, such as installing a telemetry system, variable-frequency drive and water main upgrades, decreased water utility pumping costs by 50 percent.
Darlington has also installed an automatic meter reading system, with electronic readers on every meter in the municipality. This allows the city to document system water losses, closely track customer use and identify users that have leaks in their homes and businesses, Darlington Public Works Director Bob Salmi said.
For its achievements, the Water Star program will recognize Darlington as a Bronze Star Community during a city council meeting at 7 p.m.
Municipalities that have so far qualified as Water Star communities include three gold star communities, Fitchburg, Dane County and River Falls; three silver star communities, Beloit, Mukwonago and Waukesha County; and two bronze star communities, Darlington and Manitowoc.
Municipalities interested in being part of the Water Star program can apply online at http://www.waterstarwisconsin.org
The new program, Water Star, was launched on Earth Day and honors cities, villages, towns and counties that have taken steps to protect surface water and groundwater, such as strengthening stormwater controls, ensuring water quality, protecting habitats and encouraging residents to conserve water.
Water Star program sponsors include the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Cooperative Extension, MSA Professional Services, Town and County RC & D, Rock River Coalition, UW-Extension Environmental Resources Center, Dane County, Natural Resources Consulting Inc., Wisconsin Public Service Commission and Ruekert-Mielke.
About five years ago, Darlington began tackling inefficiencies in its water system to reduce water losses and energy use. Water system improvements, such as installing a telemetry system, variable-frequency drive and water main upgrades, decreased water utility pumping costs by 50 percent.
Darlington has also installed an automatic meter reading system, with electronic readers on every meter in the municipality. This allows the city to document system water losses, closely track customer use and identify users that have leaks in their homes and businesses, Darlington Public Works Director Bob Salmi said.
For its achievements, the Water Star program will recognize Darlington as a Bronze Star Community during a city council meeting at 7 p.m.
Municipalities that have so far qualified as Water Star communities include three gold star communities, Fitchburg, Dane County and River Falls; three silver star communities, Beloit, Mukwonago and Waukesha County; and two bronze star communities, Darlington and Manitowoc.
Municipalities interested in being part of the Water Star program can apply online at http://www.waterstarwisconsin.org