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With Milwaukee's proximity to Lake Michigan and world-class water research, why don't we have clean water?

Project Milwaukee: Solutions To Our Water Challenges

Lauren Sigfusson
With our proximity to Lake Michigan and world-class water research, why don't we have clean water?

WUWM has been diving into the topic of clean water, or the lack thereof, in southeastern Wisconsin for our Project Milwaukee Series: Great Lakes, Troubled Waters.

Problems like runoff, lead, and even the policies created around water can seem too big to tackle. But work is being done to make an impact to ensure a future with clean water.

» Overall Health Of Our Water
» Emerging Threats To Wisconsin's Water

Green Infrastructure

While more water may seem like a good thing, rainstorms are a challenge to clean water. They can cause flooding and potentially damaging runoff. But utilities, landscape architects and others are finding solutions. WUWM's Maayan Silver explores some of Milwaukee's efforts, large and small, to keep excess storm and wastewater out of Lake Michigan:

» Green Infrastructure Helps Manage Water In Milwaukee's Urban Landscape

Water Conservation

Did you know that a leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day? Water utilities process every drop that makes it into our plumbing, which takes a lot of time and energy.

One way to keep from overburdening the system is by reducing our consumption. From collecting and reusing rainwater to updating appliances, we can make an impact by changing our daily habits.

» 5 Ways To Conserve Water At Home

» How To Make A Rain Garden

Business & Innovation

Milwaukee is known for being a "water hub": a place where industry, research, and academia converge in their efforts to create sustainable efforts or create new technology utilizing one of our most precious resources.

» What Does It Mean For Milwaukee To Be A 'Water Hub?'

Wisconsin scientists are working on new ways to protect drinking and surface water from pollutants. They’re also investigating better methods of cleaning contaminated water. WUWM's Innovation Reporter Chuck Quirmbach explores: 

» Wisconsin Scientists Are Trying New Techniques To Help Protect Water

Audrey is a WUWM host and producer for Lake Effect.
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