Water Quality Protection

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) Water Quality Protection team monitors water quality from its origin at industrial users, through the conveyance system and reclamation facilities, and ultimately to its discharge into area waterways. The Division monitors point and non-point source pollution, conveyance system performance, industry compliance with local, state, and federal pretreatment requirements, and area surface water quality. This Division also provides laboratory services to meet the needs of the MMSD. The Division contains four functional groups: Central Laboratory, Systems Monitoring/Field Monitoring, Industrial Waste Pretreatment Program (IWPP), and Freshwater Resources Monitoring. Their work is dedicated to protecting public and environmental health by preventing pollutant releases, identifying contamination early, and advancing public education on water quality matters.

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.

MMSD Water Quality Protection Team operates through four working groups:

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

Central Lab

Our team of scientific professionals, technicians, chemists, and microbiologists analyzes samples and reports from the test results.

Freshwater Resources Monitoring

Our team of scientists conducts comprehensive water quality monitoring, analysis, and reporting to track water quality in local waterways and improvements to MMSD's Wastewater Reclamation Facilities.

Industrial Waste Pretreatment

It comprises 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.

Systems/Field Monitoring

Systems Monitoring is a group of analysts who review, organize, monitor, and analyze data generated from monitoring and sampling of the conveyance systems and groundwater programs. The Field Monitoring Group includes monitoring technicians and specialists who collect samples and data, perform monitoring, and upload data into the District's databases.

Why a Career in Water Quality Protection?

Are you passionate about protecting our water? Water Quality Protection is a vital and rewarding field dedicated to keeping our rivers and Lake Michigan clean and safe.

Explore a Career in Water Quality Protection