MMSD Runner-Up in 2019 Global Public Service Awards

01/10/20 10:24:am

(Milwaukee, WI) – Out of hundreds of nominations from all over the world, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) scored a second place finish for its Water Drop Alert™ Program.

The award, from London-based Apolitical, was voted on by a team of judges and then thousands of members that follow the company.

Apolitical says it’s a company that, “…connects public servants to the ideas, people and partners they need to solve society’s hardest challenges.”

MMSD’s runner-up status in Apolitcal’s Global Public Service Awards is in the category titled: The ~~Boring~~ Engine Room Award, recognizing that the teams tackling the most pressing issues don’t always have the flashiest titles. Cleaning spreadsheets, updating systems, or digitizing documents may not be the most glamorous-sounding work, but it’s absolutely essential – these are the teams that get the job done.

Specifically, Apolitical issued the following reasons for MMSD’s award. “The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District was recognized for taking an innovative approach to reducing water pollution from sewer overflows by issuing a Water Drop Alert™ when large storms and heavy rains threaten the area. The MMSD has been recognized as the “gold standard” in sanitation, as Milwaukee now averages only 2.4 combined sewer overflows a year, due to a massive underground tunnel, green infrastructure, and flood-control measures.

image of runner up award for MMSD Public Service

Water Drop Alert™

The campaign asks our community to use less water when heavy rain is in the forecast to help reduce the risk of sewer overflows.

How To Sign Up:

Click on this link and follow the directions to receive a text message when a Water Drop Alert™ is issued.
Or, text: WATERDROP to 797979.

By using less water, you're helping reduce the amount of sewage that might end up in the environment if there is an overflow.

What Do You Do When a Water Drop Alert™ Is Issued?

It's simple, try to use less water until the storm passes.

Hold off on washing dishes
Do the laundry tomorrow
Take a shorter shower

When a Water Drop Alert™ is issued we will also share on our social media pages and on our weather page, acting as a reminder to use less water until the heavy rain passes.

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Other MMSD Award Winning Projects and Initiatives

Underwood Creek Flood Management and Habitat Restoration

Learn about MMSD's flood management project at Underwood Creek Reach 1 Phase 2 in the Menomonee River watershed and the 2019 Engineering Excellence Award.

Kevin Shafer Wins Water Warrior Award

MMSD Executive Director, Kevin Shafer, receives a Water Warrior Award from The Water Council to celebrate and acknowledge the successes of individuals in Wisconsin’s water industry who are making significant achievements while supporting the advancement of students in STEAM education (Science – Technology – Engineering – Arts – Math).

2019 Mayor's Design Awards for 30th Street Basin

MMSD's Wet Weather Relief project for the North and East Basins of the 30th St. Corridor won one of the 2019 Mayor's Design Awards.