Milwaukee Water Works

Federal Funding for Lead Pipe Removal Likely a Year Away

But Milwaukee Water Works officials were encouraged by show of confidence from VP Harris.

East Side Homes’ Historic Designation Stuck in Limbo

Commission defers decision on designation for homes otherwise poised for demolition.

Layton Lofts Under Construction

New apartment building joins busy commercial corridor, but contractor fighting city on utility use.

Dettmer’s Appointment As Public Works Head Is Historic

First female to lead DPW, first time that no major mayor-appointed leaders are white males.

USDA Secretary Touts Lead Removal Funding

Sec. Tom Vilsack visits Bloomer, Wis. announcing $28 million for lead pipe removal.

Pastors Demand “Tax and Take” Moratorium

City officials say it's not possible, as discussion of how to handle churches gets confusing.

Milwaukee Water Works Wants Rate Hike

But below what state PSC allows. Bauman demands to know why.

Poorer Residents To Get Help With Water Bills

Up to $5,000 per household from federal funding. But distribution could be tricky.

Public Works Commissioner Jeff Polenske Leaving For Private Sector

Three-decade government veteran "retiring" for private-sector employment.

State Could Get $800 Million For Water Systems

Federal infrastructure bill could help pay for replacing lead pipes, upgrading sewer systems and more.

Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Will Deliver for Milwaukee

Statement of Common Council President Cavalier Johnson November 6, 2021

Senator Baldwin Applauds House Vote to Pass Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Bipartisan legislation creates Wisconsin jobs and rebuilds Badger State infrastructure

Wisconsin Local Leaders Support Passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Making a Major Federal Investment in Rebuilding Water Infrastructure

Praise for Senator Baldwin’s work on bipartisan legislation that will help local communities replace dangerous lead service lines, address dangerous PFAS chemicals, and improve resiliency of infrastructure

Forum Names 2021 Local Government Award Winners

Five of winners picked by Wisconsin Policy Forum are local organizations and individuals.

Baldwin Works to Secure More Than $176 Million for Wisconsin in Senate Appropriations Package

Federal funding would deliver support to local projects in Wisconsin championed by Senator Baldwin during the Congressional appropriations process

12 Options to Solve Milwaukee’s Fiscal Crisis

Nine are bad says alderman. Without solution Milwaukee would need to cut one-fourth of workforce.

A Behind-The-Scenes Tour of Schlitz Park

See the distribution center tunnel, massive chiller system and remants of the Brew House.

12 Takeaways From City’s 2022 Budget

What's in the 600 page, $1.75 billion budget document? An inside look at your city government.

More Than 660 Street Trees Lost in August Storm

City officials debating how to get ready for next big storm as they await bill from "unprecedented" event.

Health Commissioner Says Lead Crisis is Top Priority

Commissioner Johnson said she can fix department's troubled lead program.

$98 Million Plan Targets Lead Poisoning

Proposal addressing lead poisoning of children backed by the Coalition on Lead Emergency.

Milwaukee Water Works Pursuing Rate Changes

With Waukesha coming as a customer, utility pursuing changes to its authorized return rate.

U.S. Labor Secretary Visits Milwaukee

Marty Walsh visits building trades and manufacturing trainees, hears from immigrant rights advocates.

The Hop to suspend service Monday and Tuesday for water main repair

St. Paul Avenue from Broadway to Milwaukee closed through Wednesday to automobile traffic, open to pedestrians

City Rejects Hawley Rd. Flood Settlement

Residents left soaked with costs after settlement agreement falls apart. Their attorney thinks it might cost even more to sue.

Residents are Urged to Take Precautions as Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

Jerrel Kruschke Appointed City Engineer

Mayor Barrett finds a familiar face to replace Samir Amin.

Waukesha, Milwaukee Celebrate Huge Water Project

$286 million, 36-mile-long project begun, will bring Milwaukee water to Waukesha.

Virtual Housing Resource Fair will take place Saturday, November 21

Event will feature workshops, live Q&A sessions, drive-up resource packet pickup and more

Committee Approves Over 20 Amendments To Milwaukee Budget

Amendments target violence prevention, housing, lead abatement and more.

EPA Unveils New Lead Regulations

But critics say allowable lead levels for drinking water are too high.

Mayor Barrett’s 2021 Executive Budget Address

Residents deserve better treatment after Hawley Road water main break

City Behind on Replacing Lead Pipes

As of Aug. 10, only 333 service lines to homes replaced with copper, yearly goal is 1,100.

Council Spending Hours Reviewing Barrett’s Appointments

Plenty of praise and criticism for department heads, including Jeff Polenske and Jeanette Kowalik.

Council Grilling, But Advancing Mayoral Appointees

Most being confirmed unanimously after long meetings.

Common Council Threatens City Shakeup

Votes to hold every Barrett cabinet appointment, wants systemic change in all city operations.

Mayor Barrett Announces First Round of Cabinet Appointments

City Workers Will Get Hazard Pay Bonus

Mayor Barrett's proclamation boosts hourly pay by $3.13 for front-line workers.

City To Furlough, Cut Hours For 750 Employees

Revenue down $27 million in pandemic and city forced to make cuts.

The Water Council welcomes five new members to its board of directors

Milwaukee Has Many Private Streets

You may recognize them by the brown signs. That is, if you can access the road.

Should City Workers Get COVID Bonus?

Public Works employees can't work from home, face more risk of COVID-19.

Milwaukee on 70-Year Pace To Replace Lead Laterals

What will the city do for property owners that want to voluntarily replace their laterals?

Audit Gives Water Works High Marks

Outside audit of city utility found good practices for lead reduction, water quality monitoring.

League of Women Voters Presents Forum on Lead Poisoning March 6

Committee Approves Large Solar Deal After Contentious Debate

Ald. Bob Bauman's amendments attempt to set baseline, grow value of deal.

Plan Will Build City’s Largest Solar Array

City, We Energies partner on eight-acre solar farm, enough electricity to power 400 homes.

Clean Water Becomes Hot Political Issue

Gov. Evers and legislators in both parties call for action. Will they work together?

Central Standard Opening Downtown Tasting Room

Distillery will move from Walker's Point to redeveloped 1874 building on E. Clybourn St.

Pipe Destroyed in Water Main Break

"Very, very rare" break destroys 29 feet of water main, raises questions, devastates residents in area.

South Hawley Road to Fully Reopen on Monday, January 13

Former Health Director Blames Barrett

Bevan Baker breaks his silence, slams Mayor and other city departments.

Proposal Uses Lead Abatement Funds for Marketing

Ald. Lewis proposes using lateral replacement funds for council's "community outreach."

Bucks, Fire Department Have Cost Sharing Agreement

Deputy Chief praises Bucks' commitment to safety.

Doors Open Milwaukee to feature public works landmarks

Doors Open is a celebration of Milwaukee’s art, architecture, culture and history with more than 170 buildings providing free access on Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29.

West Allis Has Art, Not Just Industry

Local business offers pottery classes, studio memberships and helps fire up new artists.

Outside Firm Auditing City’s Lead Program

Expert hired by Comptroller doing audit council originally wanted done by May 2018.

1,893 Lead Service Lines Replaced

But 75,403 remain. City still on 70-year pace to solve century-old problem.

Riverwest’s Hidden Landmark

When the Riverwest Pumping Station opened in 1924, its massive pumps set a world record.

Council Approves Water Rate Increase

Three council members object to plan that raises annual cost by $7.

PrideFest Boasted 120 LGBTQ Artists

45,787 people attended, making it the largest pride event ever held in Wisconsin.

Complaint Against American Sewer Dropped

City officials can't verify complaint, but may still consider debarring contractor.

City Will Raise Its Water Rates

Average customers in city and suburbs served directly will see their bills rise $7 per year.

Who Can Get a Free Lead Filter?

City departments offer maze of options to get a lead removal water filter. Who's eligible?

FLAC, Get the Lead Out Fight City Over Lead Posioning

Groups have a showdown with city officials over claims surrounding city's failure on lead poisoning, infant mortality.

Who Will (Finally) Clear The Snow?

"Why did you stop sending out front-end loaders to finish the job?" irate alderman asks.

Potholes, winter parking extension, lead service lines and reserve force for snow and ice control on agenda for Public Works Committee

Wednesday’s Public Works Committee meeting agenda is packed with items of citywide interest and importance

Three City Libraries Will Get Solar

But city wants to install five times more solar power and faces We Energies opposition.

Karen Dettmer Will Lead Water Works

Committee puts veteran engineer through the ringer before endorsing her appointment.

Council approves legislation concerning the Milwaukee Health Department’s lead reporting processes and water filter distribution plans

"The health, safety and well-being of Milwaukee’s residents are our highest priorities, especially concerning our children."

Can Public-Private Deals Help County?

Experts discuss potential of public-private partnerships for county and city.

Council Adopts 2019 City Budget

Average homeowner will see $51.88 increase, no change in total fire and police officers.

Pay Hike for City Politicians Is On Hold

Ald. Chantia Lewis delays vote on 13.6% raise she and some other colleagues want. Mayor threatens veto.

Barrett Taps Polenske For Public Works

Veteran City Engineer to become head of 2,300-employee Department of Public Works.

Gonda Resigns from Water Works

Longtime city employee resigns as Milwaukee Water Works director for job at UWM.

Barrett Unveils 2019 Budget Proposal

Proposal would add 10 police officers, spend $20 million on lead abatement efforts.

Bucks Unveil Custom Fire Hydrants

City works with team to install 15 unique fire hydrants around new arena.

Bucks Arena Getting Custom-Painted Fire Hydrants

The 15 hydrants around the arena will get a new paint job.

2017 Milwaukee Water Works Consumer Confidence Report

The report provides evidence that Milwaukee’s drinking water quality is clean and safe and meets all U.S. EPA and Wisconsin DNR regulations.

Child Care Centers Still Have Lead Pipes

City has so far replaced lead service lines at 163 of 347 facilities.

Streetcar Barn is Hopping

Next week The Hop hits the streets of Milwaukee, today we take you inside the Operations and Maintenance Facility.

Legislation looks to local source for water infrastructure needs

News release from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs

$750 Million to Replace Lead Pipes

Solutions to city's lead laterals expensive and not simple, council members find.

Council Responds to Lead Crisis

Following Health Dept fallout, nine bills introduced to address lead poisoning issues.

Resolution calls for Milwaukee Water to give public lead updates

Lead service lines make up about 74,600 properties in the city, including 68,300 residential.

Prevent Frozen Water Pipes and Water Meters

Milwaukee Water Works shares some tips for preventing this freeze-up in your home or business.

City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Schedules Over the New Year’s Holiday Weekend

Some Department of Public Works services will be available for limited hours of operation.

Franklin Wants Milwaukee’s Water

But Bauman doubts suburb can meet city rules for transportation and affordable housing.

Common Council Strengthens Lead Standards

But Health Department leaders contend it doesn't really change how they operate.

Council Approves Waukesha Water Deal

Only one alderman objects to 40-year, $286 million deal.

Committee Okays Waukesha Water Deal

Key council committee approves largest collaborative deal in region's history.

City To Sell Water to Waukesha

After years of debate, Waukesha and Milwaukee strike a historic, 40-year deal.

Advocates Push City On Lead Pipes

City may not know which homes own lead laterals, which action to take.

Mayor Barrett’s 2018 Executive Budget Address

As Prepared for Delivery

City’s Revenue Structure Is “Broken”

Milwaukee’s over-reliance on property tax, state aid threatens its future, study warns.

2016 Milwaukee Water Works Consumer Confidence Report

Milwaukee water complies with all state and federal drinking water standards.

Jennifer Gonda On the Hot Seat

New Water Works director opposed by some aldermen, and faces tough lead pipes issue.

Gettelman Brewery Buildings Saved

At least for now. City HPC grants temporary historic designation.

A Slumlord’s Modest Cape Cod

Mohammad Choudhry has 46 properties, 3,000 code violations and this house.