Tours

Water Reclamation Facility

MMSD cleans billions of gallons of wastewater every year at two reclamation facilities that serve over 1 million people in 29 communities.

Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility - Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the City of Milwaukee, Jones Island is where MMSD makes Milorganite® - a fertilizer trusted by experts since 1926. The facility is on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

In-Person and Virtual Tours- Now Available! Schedule a private tour of Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility for your class or group- led by one of our expert guides.

Group Size: Minimum group size is 12 people; ideal maximum group size is 25, but we will do our best to accommodate larger groups

Age Group: Suitable for adults and students grades five and above.

Time Allocation: Between 1 ½ - 2 hours

Schedule: At least 3-4 weeks in advance

Request A Tour: Tours of Jones Island Reclamation Facility and South Shore Reclamation Facility are scheduled separately through MMSD’s contracted operator, Veolia Water Milwaukee, LLC. To request a tour, please complete this form.

The tour content can be tailored to your group’s needs, but at a minimum, it will include information on the wastewater treatment process, how wastewater is cleaned and returned to Lake Michigan, and how individuals can do their part to help protect this precious resource. In addition, students of all ages will learn about careers available within the water industry and the skilled trades necessary to support plant operations.

MMSD Central Laboratory

School, professional or other organized groups are invited to tour our Central Laboratory to learn about water quality testing. The Central Laboratory is the largest municipal wastewater testing laboratory in the state.

Group Size: 5-10

Age Group: Suitable for adults and students in high school or post-secondary. Student groups must include a teacher or advisor.

Time Allocation: Approximately 1 hour.

Schedule: At least 30 days in advance. Tours are offered in the morning and early afternoon.

Request A Tour: Fill out this form to request a tour.

R/V Pelagos: The Freshwater Resources Monitoring Waterways Tour

School, professional, or other organized groups are invited to observe Scientists in action aboard the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s research vessel, the Pelagos! Learn water collection techniques, how to take various water quality measurements, and what the results mean for our waterways.

Group Size: 5-10

Age Group: Suitable for adults and students in high school with a minimum of 1 Biology class. Student groups must include a teacher or advisor.

Time Allocation: Approximately 2 hours.

Schedule: Tours are limited to Fridays during warmer months and are subject to cancellation based on weather conditions.

Request A Tour: Fill out this form to request a tour. Must fill out a liability waiver at least 24 hours before the tour.

What to Wear: Must wear long pants and close-toed shoes. It is recommended to dress in layers and be prepared for the elements (sunscreen, hat, water, etc.)

Green Infrastructure (GI) Sites

There are many sites throughout the metropolitan Milwaukee region where green infrastructure installments are helping to manage stormwater runoff. Sites may include various river and shoreline improvements, rain gardens, green streets, and green roofs.

Group Size: 10-100

Age Group: Suitable for adults and students in middle school and above. Student groups must include a teacher or advisor.

Time Allocation: Dependent on location.

Schedule: At least 30 days in advance.

Request A Tour: Fill out this form to request a tour