UWM achieves WAVE- Assess Verification

MILWAUKEE_The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is proud to announce it has become the first university in the nation to be WAVE: Assess Verified, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to water stewardship practices. The Water Council’s WAVE: Assess program was developed to help organizationsenhance their water management practices and prioritize actions that will have the greatest impact on improving their water stewardship, both at operational and environmental levels.

“UWM is committed to being a good steward of our water. We do this by continuously reducing our own footprint while utilizing research and community engagement efforts to address larger water challenges,” UWM Chancellor Mark Mone said. “We identify what is working, what we could improve and how the local context can inform solutions. Through research and education, we aim to improve water stewardship on our campus, in our community and in the world beyond.”

Through the WAVE methodology, UWM conducted a comprehensive assessment of its water uses, impacts and risks within the watersheds in which the university operates. This evaluation enabled UWM to identify priority water-related risks and develop targeted actions to address both local water challenges and opportunities.

The assessment highlighted several key water-related risks for UWM that include large intake and discharge water volumes at the School of Freshwater Sciences and the Milwaukee campus. These increases can be attributed to research and high campus usage.

Basin-related risks include flooding and declining water quality, which are exacerbated by urban runoff and wastewater discharge. These risks underscore the importance of maintaining water quality and managing quantity amid urban development. UWM addresses these risks through stormwater management planning, green infrastructure projects capturing 16.5 million gallons of annual stormwater runoff, and applied research from academic programs, including the School of Freshwater Sciences.

“We’re thrilled to welcome UWM as the first university verified to WAVE: Assess. Through this program, UWM shows its commitment to freshwater and sets an example of thoughtful, credible water stewardship for organizations around the world,” said Matt Howard, The Water Council’s vice president of water stewardship.

Receiving the WAVE: Assess Verification emphasizes UWM’s dedication to reducing its water footprint through operational practices, while actively growing its handprint through research, education and transparent communication. By focusing on these areas, UWM aims to mitigate risks and foster a sustainable future for water resources in the region.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.