A longtime dumping ground for individuals and industries, and sewage treatment plants, the Greater Milwaukee Watersheds once oozed with hazardous waste and were unsafe for drinking, swimming, and fishing. However, today they are poised to make a comeback.

The rivers and estuaries that make up the region’s waterways are being restored by the Southeastern Wisconsin Watershed Trust (the Trust), a unique collaboration of environmental groups, agriculture, local government, business, and water utilities. The Trust is working across several city and county boundaries to improve water quality and meet the Clean Water Act criteria mandated by the federal government.

Recently, the Joyce Foundation made a $2 million grant to support the participation of seven leading environmental nonprofit groups in the Trust’s efforts to improve Greater Milwaukee’s aquatic environment. They are working primarily on reducing runoff, water from rain and snowmelt that picks up toxic substances as it makes its way into storm sewers and local waterways.

“This funding is critical to the success of this watershed effort,” said Kevin Shafer, the executive director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District, which provides wastewater services throughout Greater Milwaukee. “The participation of these nonprofit environmental groups and their expertise in restoration issues will encourage all stakeholders to address the remaining pollution problems.”

In addition to supporting the Trust, the Joyce Foundation is also providing a grant to American Rivers Inc, which is developing new green infrastructure projects in the Milwaukee Watersheds. Green infrastructure incorporates natural systems that help supply clean water and reduce polluted runoff, sewer overflows, and flooding. Examples include planting trees and installing green roofs, rather than enlarging sewers or building a costly new treatment plant, or restoring floodplains to absorb excess rainfall.

American Rivers’ first development project along the Kinnickinnic River—located in one of the most urbanized and densely populated areas of the region—will use both these natural environment and engineered systems to reduce runoff.

“Polluted storm water is a huge problem and is degrading Greater Milwaukee’s streams and rivers,” commented Gary Belan, director of American Rivers Inc’s Clean Water Program. “By managing our water more wisely, we can ensure enough clean water for our rivers, wildlife and for future generations.”

Find out more about environment programs funded by the Joyce Foundation by clicking here.