History of WalCoMet

In 1967, a conscientious property owner plunged into the algae-filled waters of Delavan Lake to draw attention to the widespread pollution afflicting his beloved lake. His dramatic actions captured the attention of his neighbor and prompted a cleaning crusade which, in 1970, culminated with the establishment of the Delavan Lake Sanitary District (DLSD).

Efforts to obtain funding for the DLSD complete sewerage system drew the interest of the Southeastern Wisconsin Planning Commission and precipitated consideration of a regional plant which could efficiently serve the surrounding communities. In 1974, following a series of studies and hearings, the DNR ordered the creation of the Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District (WalCoMet). The new regional district was to serve the Delavan Lake Sanitary District, the cities of Delavan, Elkhorn, and the Walworth County Institutions, thereby eliminating the duplicated treatment efforts of each of these entities.

Since start-up of the original facility, 7 more entities have joined the District. Today, WalCoMet provides economical treatment of wastewater for 11 entities.

Timeline

1970 – Delavan Lake Sanitary District (DLSD) is formed
1974 – WalCoMet is formed to serve DLSD and the City of Elkhorn
1975 – Walworth County Institutions is added to the District
1977 – City of Delavan is added to the District
1979 – WalCoMet groundbreaking
1981 – WalCoMet begins treatment - Design Flow: 3.75 MGD
1983 – GFL Mallard Ridge Landfill is added to the District
1987 – Village of Williams Bay is added to the District
1988 – Inspiration Ministries is added to the District
1990 – Geneva National is added to the District
1994 – WalCoMet expansion - Design Flow: 5.75 MGD
1995 – Village of Darien is added to the District
1995 – Town of Darien (Pioneer Estates Mobile Home Park)
1999 – Lake Como Sanitary District is added to the District
2009 – WalCoMet expansion - Design Flow: 7.00 MGD

Est 2024 – WalCoMet Phosphorus Reduction Project