Foxconn Recycling System to Dramatically Reduce Water Usage

Foxconn is putting its money where its mouth is: The company is spending an extra $30 million on a state-of-the-art recycling system that’ll greatly reduce its need for Lake Michigan water.

Foxconn has always said one of the reasons it chose Mt. Pleasant for its new $10 billion plant was Wisconsin’s pristine environment. Now the company and local officials are pointing to the planned expenditure as proof that Foxconn is serious about wanting to protect the environment.

Local officials and environmentalists are applauding the move, although several environmental groups that are fighting the proposed Lake Michigan water diversion application for Foxconn say they’ll press ahead with the challenge.

The new system is expected to reduce Foxconn’s daily water needs from six to two-point-five million gallons.

The technology is based on a process that will distill the manufacturing waste water, allowing it to be recycled. 

Racine Water Utility Director Keith Haas told the Journal Sentinel that Foxconn initially wanted the city to foot the $30 million tab for the technology. After the city said no, Foxconn apparently decided to go it alone.

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