Milwaukee’s Waterways for Everyone
Community-led Advocacy, Education & Science
Meet Milwaukee Riverkeeper
Dedicated to a Swimmable, Fishable, Clean Milwaukee River Basin
Welcome to Milwaukee Riverkeeper! We’re a community-led non-profit using the power of science to protect our natural waterways by connecting with our local communities, pushing back against harmful policy, and empowering everyone who lives in our area to monitor and report water pollution. We are a member of the global Waterkeeper Alliance, and we seek to protect, improve, and advocate for better water quality, improved wildlife habitats, and safe land management in the areas in and around the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers.
We envision a future in which people from all walks of life can enjoy the healthy waterways of the Milwaukee River Basin.
Join Milwaukee Riverkeeper in Taking Action for Our Waterways
Monitor Our Waters
Monitor Our Waters
Join our science-backed, community-based water monitoring program.Report Pollution
Report Pollution
If you’ve noticed pollution in any waterway near you, please report it to our team for further action.Adopt a River
Adopt a River
Work with your business or organization to join our Adopt-A-River program and sponsor clean waterways throughout SE Wisconsin.Join a Cleanup
Join a Cleanup
Start with a short-term commitment by joining one of our reoccurring area cleanups!
Custom Learning Opportunities
Custom Learning Opportunities
Build a community of MKE Riverkeepers by hosting a customized talk, activity, or program for your business, organization, or school.
Volunteer
Volunteer
Explore our events calendar and find the right volunteer opportunity for your skills and schedule!
Donate
Explore All
Meet the Waterways We Protect
Improving Our Local Rivers, Lakes, and Estuaries
At Milwaukee Riverkeeper, we believe that clean, accessible water is a basic human right. When it comes to protecting our water, it’s about more than the rivers and lakes that we see. In fact, we work in three distinct water types including groundwater, drinking water, and surface water.
These water types are all interconnected. What we put in the ground affects the quality of our groundwater which affects the quality of our drinking water. What we put in our sewers and runoff from things like salt and factories ends up in our lakes and rivers, affecting our ability to enjoy surface water. This affects all water systems including those we protect:
Become an Advocate for Safer, Cleaner Waterways
Join Us in Making an Impact in Wisconsin and Beyond
We continually monitor all policy and action that affect the health, safety, and conservation of our natural waterways, the fish and wildlife that inhabit these spaces, and the natural environment surrounding these waters. We actively engage with communities, policymakers, and partner organizations throughout Wisconsin to prevent the further deterioration and pollution of our waterways. At MRK, we believe anyone can be an advocate for our mission.
You can advocate with us by:
Subscribing to Take Action
Our advocacy newsletter that details all current issues and outlines how you can get involved and take action.
Support Our Work
Donate today to support our work and help fund our advocacy initiatives. Every penny counts!
Learning About Current Issues
Explore the current issues affecting the health and safety of our waterways like pollution, contaminants, and areas of concern.
Meeting our Coalitions & Partners
Learn more about the incredible organizations we work with to protect our waters.
Explore the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail
Kayak, Canoe, & Enjoy Our Waters Safely
Enjoying our incredible waterways should be a right, not a privilege. That’s why we worked with our communities to develop the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail Map. Now you can plan your canoeing, kayaking, and other water adventures safely and legally! This detailed map shares key information like access points, portages, hazards, and resting sites along with information on historic, cultural, ecological, and scenic points of interest so you can make the most out of our precious waterways!
Donate to Protect Our Waterways
Everyone deserves access to safe, clean water—let’s do it together!
In order to achieve our vision for healthy waterways, we need to include many voices – families, individuals, and businesses all play an important role. Whether it’s through financial contributions or collaboration, we know we can go farther together. Supporters receive important updates about the work we’re doing while helping to keep our waterways safe, clean, and accessible to everyone. Donate today, and join the clean water movement in your community.
