Foxconn To Build $30 Million Water Treatment System Here

RACINE COUNTY, WI — Foxconn is planning to install a $30 million water recycling system in its Racine County electronics manufacturing plant, and local officials say the investment is expected have significant positive effects on the environment.

Foxconn officials said the company is investing $30 million in a zero liquid discharge, also known as ZLD, system.

Foxconn says it expects to reduce its intake of water at the Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park by more than 3.5 million gallons per day, down to 2.5 million gallons per day. The ZLD system is also expected to eliminate manufacturing process wastewater by distilling it, allowing the company to recycle, recover, and re-use it.

"As the Mayor, I am charged with protecting Lake Michigan with our water and wastewater utility. I am very encouraged by Foxconn’s announcement of zero liquid discharge. It will reduce the amount of Lake Michigan water Foxconn needs to withdraw, and protect Lake Michigan from industrial discharge. Foxconn should be lauded for their investment in protecting the environment,” Racine Mayor Cory Mason said in a prepared statement Tuesday morning.

Company officials say the only water that will not be recycled will be the domestic wastewater that is normally discharged from any commercial facility and the water evaporating from the cooling systems. Officials say the water treatment system planned for the Racine County plant has been successfully used at Foxconn’s facility in Sakai, Japan.

“We are pleased to see Foxconn’s proactive approach to ensuring the safety of our environment, the quality of our water and the health of our area’s greatest natural resource, Lake Michigan," Jenny Trick, Executive Director, Racine County Economic Development Corporation said in a prepared statement Tuesday. "The Zero Liquid Discharge facility is a major investment by Foxconn that will benefit our entire community and signals their continued commitment to working collaboratively with local, county and state leaders.”

Patch File Photo of Rendering