Lee Mechanical is serving as the general contractor for the Racine UV Disinfection Upgrade, a major infrastructure improvement at the Racine Wastewater Treatment Plant.
This multi-phase project modernizes the plant’s disinfection process by expanding capacity from two channels to four, ensuring the facility can meet current and future water quality standards. The upgrade not only improves operational efficiency but also reinforces the city’s commitment to protecting public health and the environment.
The scope of work for Lee Mechanical includes wastewater systems work to expand from two to four UV disinfection channels, channel reconstruction for the new UV systems including installation of gates, weirs, and stoplogs, and new building construction for the UV Disinfection area with complete HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Plumbing and HVAC installations are also being completed to support the upgraded systems. A rotating crew of four to eight Lee team members, supported by subcontractors, is handling the mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and specialized equipment installations.
One of the greatest challenges for this project is keeping the wastewater treatment plant fully operational during construction. To accomplish this, Lee Mechanical implemented a two-phase approach. In Phase One, the team decommissioned and demolished all components of the existing south UV system, completed extensive concrete modifications to accommodate new equipment, and installed, started up, and tested the new system to meet Wisconsin DNR requirements. In Phase Two, once the south system was online, work began on the north side, following the same demolition, concrete, installation, and commissioning process.
Upon completion in May 2026, the Racine UV Disinfection Upgrade will deliver increased treatment capacity, improved water quality, and greater system reliability for the city’s wastewater operations. This investment will serve the community for decades, safeguarding public health and supporting environmental stewardship.
From municipal water treatment upgrades to complex industrial systems, Lee Mechanical delivers mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and refrigeration solutions that meet the highest standards for safety, quality, and performance.
“Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of collaborating with Lee Mechanical on our UV Disinfection and Biogas Conditioning projects. The professionalism exhibited by Lee’s team is something that my team and I greatly value.
What truly distinguishes Lee Mechanical is their readiness and capability to adapt to the daily functions of the wastewater facility and the weather conditions that impact our operations, all while efficiently completing their assigned tasks. They also invest time in sharing their expertise, which we genuinely appreciate. Lee’s crew consistently goes above and beyond, treating our staff with respect and even assisting with tasks beyond the initial project scope.”
– Mary-Frances Klimek,
Racine Wastewater Utility Superintendent
