Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District - MMSD

09/07/2026

Healthy lawns have thicker root systems that absorb more rainwater, reducing water pollution and the amount of water entering our sewers. Help your lawn recover from summer stress and apply Milwaukee's slow-release Milorganite Fertilizer this Labor Day to feed your lawn and soil.

For more fall lawn and landscape tips with Gardening Expert Melinda Myers: https://www.milorganite.com/blog/garden-landscape/6-fall-landscape-steps

09/06/2026

During heavy rain, rainwater and groundwater—often called clear water—can enter and overwhelm your sanitary lateral, the pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the sewer. When this happens, sewage and water can back up into your basement.

Common sources of clear water include:
🌧️ Downspouts connected to the sewer system
🏠 Foundation drains
🌳 Defects in your sanitary lateral, including damage from tree roots

Reducing the amount of clear water entering the sanitary sewer system can help lower the risk of basement backups. Learn more about MMSD's Pipe Check program: https://www.mmsd.com/what-you-can-do/managing-water-on-your-property/pipe-check

09/05/2026

Important update for the Franklin Oak Creek Sewer Extension Project -- 🚧Beginning as early as September 10, County Line Road at S. 27th Street will close for about one month. It will reopen briefly while other project work progresses. The second closure is expected in January 2027 and will be a longer-term closure to allow for the sewer construction.

For more information on this project, visit: ➡️https://www.mmsd.com/what-we-do/wastewater-treatment/sewers/franklin-oak-creek-sewer

09/05/2026

The storms ⛈️ this week dropped 1-4" of rain in our community. If you’re troubleshooting basement water, check these common trouble spots:

🔎 Cracks in the foundation wall, floor, or where the wall meets the floor
🚿 Floor drains or plumbing fixtures, including toilets, sinks, and showers
🚪 Doors and windows
🏠 Roof penetrations, such as chimneys, plumbing vents, and electrical service

If sewage entered your basement, please report the issue to your municipal public works department.

You can also report it here to help MMSD track flooding in the community. https://www.mmsd.com/about-us/contact-us/reporting-wet-basement

To learn more about possible causes of water in your basement ➡️ https://www.mmsd.com/what-you-can-do/managing-water-on-your-property/water-in-my-basement

09/03/2026

WATER DROP💧 ALERT! (9/3/26)
More rain and storms are in the forecast. Every drop counts toward reducing the risk of basement backups and sewer overflows.

Please try to use less water:
⏸️ Hold off on washing dishes and laundry
🚿 Take shorter showers
🌧️ Empty your rain barrel

📱 Stay informed: Text WATERDROP to 414-296-4422 to sign up for alerts. Para español, envía GOTADEAGUA al 414-296-4422.

Check real-time water reclamation facility and deep tunnel volumes at 🔗 https://www.mmsd.com/about-us/weather-center

09/03/2026

If it’s not rain, it doesn’t belong in the drain!

Storm drains help manage rainwater in our neighborhoods, but when they’re blocked by leaves and litter, they can contribute to street flooding during heavy rain. 🌧️

You can help care for your local storm drain by joining the Adopt Your Drain program and adopting a storm drain near you! Learn more and get started: https://www.swwtwater.org/adopt-your-drain💧

09/02/2026

🌦️ More rain is on the way! Take a few minutes to empty your rain barrel so it's ready to capture incoming rainfall. Every gallon stored helps reduce stormwater runoff, ease pressure on our sewer system, and protect local rivers and Lake Michigan.

🍃 Quick tip: Check your rain barrel diverter for leaves and debris to prevent clogs and keep water flowing properly.

Learn more about rain barrels: 👉 https://www.mmsd.com/what-we-do/green-infrastructure/rain-barrels

09/01/2026

We enjoyed partnering and creating an unforgettable week of learning and exploration at Waves Of Change 2026, August 17th-21st! The program brought Milwaukee youth together for a deep dive into three career tracks: Civil Engineering & Design, Environmental Health & Water Quality, and Blue/Green Trades.

08/29/2026

🍂 Give your landscape—and pollinators—a helping hand this fall! 🐝🦋

How you manage leaves, prune shrubs, and prepare your yard for winter can make a difference for pollinators and your plants.

Gardening expert Melinda Myers shares practical fall tips for caring for native and non-native plants, flowerbeds, rain gardens, and lawns. Learn about proper watering, fertilization, winter preparation, and protecting plants from wildlife to help your landscape make it through winter and come back strong next spring. 🌱

🎥 Watch the video: https://youtu.be/rKvhEX-XxQg?si=sjpjfKZ4GoZzpIOg

Milwaukee Public Library

Keep pollinators in mind as you manage fall leaves, prune shrubs, a...