Leading Water Tech Firms in the Milwaukee Region
Key Industries
Water Technology
A global water hub with the highest concentration of water-related companies in North America
The Milwaukee region lies on the shores of the greatest single source of fresh water on the planet, the Great Lakes. Situated along Lake Michigan and uniquely spanning both the Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds (two largest watersheds in the United States), the Milwaukee region is blessed with world-class research institutions and the highest concentration of water-related companies in North America, making it a world hub of water technology, research and policy. When it comes to moving, metering, treating and using water in a sustainable manner, Milwaukee and Wisconsin lead the way.
Milwaukee's Water Industry
The Milwaukee region’s water industry is a $10.5 billion market, supporting 20,000 jobs and accounting for 4% of the total world water business
More than 150 water-related companies locate operations here, including five of the 11 largest water firms in the world. Many are headquartered here or nearby, including water industry giants Badger Meter, A.O. Smith and Kohler, along with a number of smaller, emerging firms.
Academic and Research Facilities
Academic and research facilities put the Milwaukee Region at a distinct advantage, with more than 100 academic scientists and researchers focused on water.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences plays a key role in linking companies and research facilities from academia together. The first of its kind in North America, the school serves as a centerpiece for academic research.
The Water Quality Center at Marquette University is a leader in anaerobic treatment of water. Milwaukee School of Engineering is working with companies to develop new, patentable products. Marquette University’s highly regarded Law School recently developed a water law curriculum stream.
Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin on Milwaukee's lakefront connects innovation, science and technology with exploration, the environment and Great Lakes freshwater resources through interactive exhibits and learning programs.
The Water Council
The Water Council aligns the region's freshwater research community and water-related industries to establish the Milwaukee region as a world hub for water-related research and economic development. Headquartered in the Global Water Center near Downtown Milwaukee, The Water Council gives the region a leading role in collaboration between public, private and academic sectors with a shared commitment to find innovative solutions to critical global water challenges. The Water Council is the official North American partner of the Alliance for Water Stewardship, responsible for overseeing the alliance’s comprehensive standards across the continent.
Milwaukee Named a UN Global Compact City
Milwaukee joined an elite list of only 14 cities worldwide that have gained admission into the United Nations Global Compact Cities Programme. With this designation, Milwaukee achieves international recognition for the area's expertise and global leadership in fresh water technology and science. The focus of the program is maintaining and improving water quality system dynamics, health, and sustainability as well as fresh water technology, policy, and management.
Water Centric City Initiative
The Water Centric City initiative spearheaded by the city of Milwaukee connects communities around the world and showcases cities that are global leaders in managing water resources in a sustainable and resilient way. The initiative provides a network for cities to share best practices and guidance, and a framework of outcomes and metrics for the following areas: integrated water resource management, water supply and treatment, innovation and technology, water-related industry, water education, culture and recreation and water stewardship.
We're here.
Ready to help.
Expansion or relocation is always a challenge. The Milwaukee 7 Partnership is your local advocate, simplifying and streamlining the investment process.
Interested in learning more?