Hales Corners Safe Drinking Water Grants

The Village of Hales Corners completed one of its most significant public health projects after PFAS (per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination impacted more than 180 households. To provide residents with safe, reliable drinking water, the Village constructed a new distribution system and connected affected homes to Milwaukee Water Works.

The Hales Happiness Water Conversion Project represented a transformative $5.1 million investment, comprised of 50% grant funding and 50% principal forgiveness, eliminating reliance on contaminated groundwater and ensuring long‑term access to clean drinking water.

To advance the project, the Village pursued major funding opportunities administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), with support from raSmith through grant preparation, agency coordination, and overall funding strategy development. Funding sources included:

• Safe Drinking Water Loan Program – Emerging Contaminants (SDWL‑EC):
  Approximately $2.6 million awarded to support infrastructure construction costs associated with the new water distribution system.
• Emerging Contaminants – Small and Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Program:
  Approximately $2.5 million in EPA grant funding, coordinated with the Hales Happiness Water Trust, to address PFAS contamination impacts and reduce the financial burden on affected residents.
• Well Abandonment Grant:
  $100,000 awarded to support the proper abandonment of private wells as part of the community’s transition to municipal water service.

Upon completion, the new infrastructure was transferred to Milwaukee Water Works, ensuring professional long‑term operation and maintenance. Strong support from federal and state legislators helped the Village overcome early funding challenges and secure substantial state and federal assistance. Construction broke ground on June 13, 2025, and was completed in November 2025, significantly improving water quality, regional resilience, and overall community well‑being.