Waukesha will celebrate finally switching to Lake Michigan drinking water on Thursday, a transition that's been decades in the making.
The city has been warning water users about some temporary issues that may occur when the transition takes place. The new water may initially smell and taste different, and minerals built up in the system could stain clothes.
"This store here, we’ll go through approximately 900 gallons in an hour," said John Albers.
As the owner of Westbrook Express Laundromat, Albers has a unique spin on the city’s upcoming water transition.
"Fourteen years ago, we were paying roughly $6 for a thousand gallons of water," he said. "Now we’re looking at around $13."
All city water users will continue to pay more as Waukesha transitions to Lake Michigan water. According to the city, the average homeowner paying $102 per month now will pay $52 more by 2027.
"You have to do laundry – you have to do it," Albers said.