Public Works and Utilities

Overview
The Oconto Public Works Department consists of the Water Utility, Sewer Utility, Street Department, Engineering Department and is responsible for a wide variety of services.

Mission
The mission of the Public Works Department is to provide a safe, clean and healthy environment for the residents of Oconto and the visitors that come here.

2023 Consumer Confidence Report
https://cityofoconto.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2022-CCR.pdf

Residential Water User Cross-Connection Hazards Brochure
https://cityofoconto.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cross-Connection-Brochure-PDF.pdf

Services The Water Utility provides the water you drink, maintains the three wells and the two elevated storage tanks, flushes hydrants and exercises valves on schedule, repairs water main breaks, inspects and permits private wells, inspects all buildings for cross connections with other water sources and back flow prevention. They also maintain meters and do the quarterly meter reading for billing for water and sewer. The Utility is also responsible for locating all underground water, sewer & storm utilities when requested by Diggers Hotline.

The Sewer Utility provides treatment for all wastes discharged to the sewer. They maintain and clean the sewer system and operate the wastewater treatment plant. They record and check the flows from the three sanitary districts. They maintain the thirteen lift stations in the City. They accept and process sludge from the City off Oconto Falls and the Village of Suring. The laboratory performs all the required tests for the operation of the wastewater treatment plant so it meets the requirements of the discharge permit.

The Street Department is responsible for street maintenance and repair, snow plowing and snow removal, sidewalks, garbage and recycling collection, yard waste and brush pick-up, street sign maintenance, operation of the recycling center, and providing assistance to other Departments when requested. They assist the Police and Fire Departments by keeping their driveways clear of snow and removing snow around fire hydrants.

The Engineering Department performs the design, bidding, administration, construction staking and inspection of the construction of sanitary sewers, storm sewers, watermains, streets, sidewalks, public buildings, boat ramps, fishing platforms and any other project that requires their expertise. The Engineering Department is also responsible for keeping current the City’s zoning, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and watermain maps.

Resources
The Public Works Department provides a free drop off center at 1616 Main Street for recyclable material, free of charge, open on Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to noon. The Public Works Department also provides a yard waste dump site which is located next to the drop off center at 1616 Main St and is open 24 hrs a day 7 day a week, residents can drop off their yard waste (NO BRUSH ALLOWED), concrete, brick and asphalt that is free of wire and mesh and can also get compost and wood chips for their property at no cost. The Water Utility provides outside meters for watering lawns, gardens, washing vehicles etc.

Contacts
Jeremy Wusterbarth, Superintendent of Public Works
1210 Main St, Oconto, WI 54153
Phone: (920) 834-7725
Email: jeremy@cityofocontowi.gov

Matthew Beekman, Utility Manager
1616 Main St, Oconto, WI 54153
Phone: (920) 373-3699
Email: waterdept@cityofocontowi.gov

Megan Garrity, Utility Clerk
1210 Main St, Oconto, WI 54153
Phone: (920) 834-7711
Fax: (920) 834-7713
utilities@cityofocontowi.gov