2021 Milwaukee River Basin Report Card

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Let’s Dive In!

Top Takeaways for 2021

The Milwaukee River Basin scored a D+ (68.82%) in overall river health. This year’s grade remains close to last year’s grade of a C- (70.68%). The slight decrease in grade is likely the result of having more data in 2021 than 2020, when the pandemic forced a late start to the monitoring season. More data gives a more accurate result. The 2021 grades are very similar to 2019 or pre-pandemic grades.

Overall, to get our rivers to swimmable and fishable, we must address issues related to stormwater runoff, including reducing sources of:

  • Phosphorus (fertilizers, manure, sewage)
  • Bacteria (sewage, manure, wildlife & pet waste)
  • Chloride (road salt, well softeners, food manufacturing, wastewater)
  • Conductivity (sewage, manure, fertilizer, road salt, industrial waste)

What can we do about it?

Large scale policy change is necessary if we want to fully address these water quality issues in the Milwaukee River Basin. The looming threat of climate change, which in our area looks like extreme and volatile wet-weather events, makes upgrading leaky sewer infrastructure, infiltrating as much water as possible, protecting our soils, and minimizing polluted runoff even more important.

It’s taken decades for our rivers to become polluted, and it will take decades to restore their health.  You can help ensure that change happens by taking action. Even small acts and choices can create meaningful change.  Here are a few ideas:

  • Consider installing a rain barrel or rain garden to catch water where it falls.
  • Be mindful of road salt usage; excess salt isn’t safer, it actually leads to chloride pollution that harms local rivers.
  • Compost leaves; decaying leaf litter contributes to phosphorus, which can cause harmful and unsightly algae blooms and poor water quality conditions for aquatic life.
  • Contact your elected officials to ask for stronger regulations for clean water; consider running for local office and getting engaged in the future of your river community.
  • Sign up for the Milwaukee Riverkeeper e-newsletter to stay up to date with opportunities to help protect and restore our rivers, or follow us on social media.