How Vactor 2100i Helps Keep Stevens Point’s Wastewater System Flowing Smoothly

For more than two decades, the City of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, has relied on Vactor equipment to keep its wastewater systems operating efficiently. With over 200 miles of wastewater lines, regular maintenance is essential. The Vactor 2100i has become an indispensable part of the process.

Recently retired, Mark Zalewski spent over 25 years with the city’s wastewater team, including overseeing stormwater and sanitary. After the city created a separate stormwater utility, he became wastewater lead but still did televising on the stormwater mains. In wastewater, with a small crew of just two or three people, having equipment that’s powerful, efficient and easy to operate was critical.

“We started with a used Vactor, and I pretty much fell in love with it,” Zalewski said. “Once we saw what it could do, we never looked back.”

Challenges

Like many municipalities, Stevens Point faces a variety of persistent sewer maintenance issues:

• Roots in clay tile pipes
• Grease and rags in lift stations
• Debris accumulation, especially in winter when iced up
• Aging infrastructure, including clay, PVC and concrete lines

Zalewski’s team followed a preventative maintenance schedule, cutting and jetting sewer lines in sections across the north, middle and south of the city on a regular basis. The goal was simple: Stay ahead of blockages.

Solution: Vactor 2100i

Over the years, Stevens Point upgraded from earlier Vactor Classic and Plus models to two modern Vactor 2100i units. According to Zalewski, the difference was immediately noticeable.

“With the 2100i, I could cut and jet blindfolded — though I never did and definitely don’t recommend it,” he joked.

The features of the 2100i allowed for more precise control, greater reach and less physical strain on the crew:

• The RDB boom extends out 10 feet and drops down 15, allowing access to deep lines without excessive manual handling.
• Positive displacement system delivered better performance than fan-style units, especially when vacuuming in challenging conditions.
• The front-mounted hose reel simplified setup and eliminated alignment issues common with rear-mounted systems.
• Customizable nozzles and interchangeable blades made it easy to match the cutter to different pipe diameters.

Results

With the Vactor 2100i, Stevens Point’s team was able to:

• Improve cleaning efficiency with less manpower
• Reduce wear-and-tear on equipment and personnel
• Maintain cleaner systems year-round, including harsh winters
• Minimize exposure risks — cutting, jetting and vacuuming without getting sewage on operators

Zalewski noted that being able to vacuum during active cutting was effective and kept operators cleaner.

“You could vacuum the mist right as you’re cutting and flushing. It keeps the sewage off your face and body. That’s a win.”

Additionally, maintenance was simple. The crew could easily drain and clean filters, which captured fine debris and helped avoid clogs during heavy summer root growth.

Conclusion

When presenting the budget to the city for new units, Zalewski highlighted the cost savings in manpower, lower maintenance and higher resale value as strong justification.

Stevens Point’s long-term investment in Vactor trucks — especially the 2100i — proved essential in maintaining a reliable, efficient wastewater system. And for a small municipal crew, that made all the difference.

“We’d never have made it this long without Vactor,” said Zalewski. “If I had to do it all over again, I’d make the same choice.”

About Vactor

Vactor is a leading provider of sewer cleaning and vacuum excavation equipment, trusted by municipalities and contractors across North America. Designed with operator safety, performance and long-term value in mind, Vactor units like the 2100i deliver power and precision when it matters most. Learn more at Vactor.com. Tags: Vactor