Water Quality Protection

Our Water Quality Protection Team is a group of specialized, scientific detectives that collect, monitor and track evidence for improving and protecting our rivers, Lake Michigan, and the Watersheds in MMSD's service area. They collect more than 150,000 water samples a year, analyzing more than 1 million individual data measurements from our waterways, water reclamation facilities and sewers. With one of the State of Wisconsin's most comprehensive water quality data bases for Lake Michigan and its rivers, MMSD continues to test, monitor and document area waterways to:

Provide early warning detection of wastewater and industrial pollution, as well as, illegal dumping.
Assess the benefits and impacts to area waterways from the investment of billions of dollars in wastewater treatment, storage and sewer system improvements.
Help MMSD and area leaders decide what else is needed to cost effectively protect area rivers and Lake Michigan.

MMSD's surface water quality monitoring program started in 1979. Continued tracking of water quality, along with improvements to the District's wastewater treatment system and stream restoration activities, will help ensure a healthy aquatic environment and will help retain the beneficial uses of Lake Michigan and Milwaukee-area waterways to the public.

MMSD Water Quality Team

The team is organized into five specialized working groups, each responsible for critical functions that support regulatory compliance, monitoring, analysis, and environmental protection initiatives.

The Central Laboratory Group

This group consists of scientific professionals, technicians, chemists, and laboratory support staff responsible for analyzing samples and reporting findings based on test results. This group ensures the accuracy and reliability of laboratory data used to support operational and regulatory requirements.

The Industrial Waste Pretreatment Group

It is comprised of Industrial Waste Professionals and support staff who oversee and enforce point source pollution control programs. Their responsibilities include administering the Industrial Waste Pretreatment Program, and Mercury Reduction initiatives, to ensure compliance with applicable environmental regulations.

The Systems Monitoring/Conveyance Group

Includes analysts who review, organize, monitor, and evaluate data generated through conveyance system, groundwater, and stormwater monitoring and sampling programs. This group is also responsible for preparing and submitting required regulatory reports and maintaining data integrity for compliance purposes.

Freshwater Resources Monitoring

It is staffed by limnologists and water resource specialists who conduct sampling, monitoring, analysis, and reporting activities related to water quality within local watersheds.

The Field Monitoring Group

It consists of monitoring technicians and specialists responsible for sample and data collection, field monitoring activities, and uploading data into the District’s databases. This group also provides operational and technical support to the Industrial Waste Professionals, Conveyance, Water Quality Research, and Technical Services construction programs.

Take a ride on our research vessel, the Pelagos, as the captain and crew show you how they work together to protect our rivers and Lake Michigan.

Why a Career in Water?

Water careers need passionate individuals like you to shape the future. No matter your background, there’s a role for everyone in the water sector.

Explore a Career in Water Quality Protection (WQP)