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Lighthouse on Lake Michigan

People walking into the lake

Kayakers on Lake Michigan

Water Tour sign on the sidewalk

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THE WATER CENTRIC CITY INITIATIVE

The City of Milwaukee’s Water Centric City Initiative recognizes the importance of water as essential to a sustainable and resilient future.
Water Centric Cities showcase leadership in managing natural water resource assets in a sustainable and resilient way.

Milwaukee's Leadership

Milwaukee is a city built on water. With three rivers and a Great Lake, water plays a key role in the city’s history, identity, and economy.

Through collaboration with businesses, academia, and civic organizations, the city is leading globally in sustainable water management. We continue to develop solutions to restore our water resources and grow our economy around water technology and recreation.

 
A Water Centric City is Defined by Seven Key Principles
We encourage cities to view each through an equity lens.

Applied Water Research principle

Arts, Talent, Culture, and Education principle

Fishable, Swimmable Waters principle

Sustainable, Healthy Water Supply principle

Water Leadership principle​​​​​​​

Water Technology principle

Image of the Water Tour Map

 

 

Take the NEW Milwaukee Water Tour

Discover Milwaukee's Water Story

The Water Current Tour is a self-guided walking tour that includes educational signs and artwork to guide visitors to Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood, along the Water Technology District and into the Harbor District to experience the city’s various water-related assets, including the Global Water Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences and Harbor View Plaza.

Tour Stops Include: Harley-Davidson, Rockwell Automation, Confluence Point, Boone & Crockett, Paliafito Eco-Arts Park, Harbor View Plaza, and the Global Water Center.

Use the Water Tour Map to Plan Your Trip

Milwaukee Skyline

Milwaukee Water Facts

 

The Great Lakes contain 21% of global surface fresh water

Sailboats and a kayaker on the water  

The MMSD Deep Tunnel holds 521 million of gallons of water

Green infrastructure

Southeast Wisconsin is home to more than 23,000 water jobs

Water spout releasing water

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