About Us
2035 Vision
Strategic Plan & Performance
Research
History
Milorganite
GIS Maps and Data
News
Events
Facilities
Budget/Financial
Blue Notes Newsletter
Blue Notes Newsletter Sign-up
What We Do
Education and Outreach
Milwaukee Estuary AOC Projects
Sustainability
What You Can Do
Green infrastructure
Rain Barrels
Rain Garden
Porous Pavement
Native Landscaping
Adopt-A-River
Become a Fresh Coast Guardian
Home HazMat Collection
Medicine Collections
Water Drop Alert
What Not to Flush
Procurement
Procurement Opportunities
Construction and CAD Standard Documents and Special Bid Attachments
Vendor Registration
Events & Outreach
Supplier Diversity
Business Development
Workforce Development
Contract Compliance Login
Government & Business
Municipal Information
Rules & Regulations
Private Property I & I
Pipe Check Contractor Resources
Industrial Waste & Pretreatment
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL)
2050 Facilities Plan
2020 Water Quality Initiative
Share This
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) recognized the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s (MMSD) Freshwater Monitoring program with the Operations & Environmental Performance award in 2023.
Since 1979 the MMSD’s Freshwater Monitoring program has helped protect the Greater Milwaukee region’s water. Protecting the region’s water resources is directly linked to MMSD’s core responsibilities of wastewater treatment and flood management and our mission to protect public health and the environment.
Water quality monitoring is conducted at nearly 100 fixed monitoring sites within the MMSD planning area. Samples are brought to MMSD’s Central Laboratory, over 40 water quality indicators are analyzed, and over 60,000 tests are conducted annually. This data is part of a national repository used by government agencies to assess and monitor the quality of the waterways. This data is also used for MMSD and other municipality planning, to evaluate the impacts of MMSD projects and wastewater reclamation facilities, and to help identify illegal discharges, dumping, and other issues along the waterways. MMSD also shares the data we collect with the public and research partners.
To summarize the large amount of data collected each year, the Freshwater Monitoring group produces an annual report. This report aligns with MMSD’s current projects and supports the work of our community partners. Water quality tracking, improvements to our wastewater treatment system, and the restoration work in our streams and rivers help provide a healthy environment for the community we serve.
As part of MMSD's Freshwater Resources Monitoring program, we have a team of scientists that work on our research vessel named the Pelagos to monitor the waterways.
The Mallard, the other MMSD research vessel, and captain Mitch Olds.
MMSD Water Resources Specialists are taking samples on Lake Michigan.
An MMSD Water Resources Specialist taking samples in a local river.
MMSD Water Resources Specialists use scientific equipment to take real-time measurements in Lake Michigan.
NEW items and FREE drop-off for your household hazardous waste at one of our permanent or mobile collection locations. Help keep our land and water clean and safe!
During heavy rain, every downspout on your home can send 12 gallons of water a minute to the sewer system, which increases the risk of sewer water backing up into your basement and overflowing into our rivers and Lake Michigan. Disconnect your downspout and help keep excess water out of sanitary sewers and into your yard or a rain garden.
Receive Water Drop Alert text messages when heavy rain threatens the area. When a Water Drop Alert has been issued, a reminder is sent to use less water.
What do you do when an alert is issued?
By using our website you are consenting to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.
