Key Industries
The world's fresh water capital. And its technology hub.
Twenty percent of the world's surface fresh water sits in the Great Lakes and the Milwaukee region sits along its shore. This is a major reason why more than 150 water technology companies, five of the 11 largest water firms on the planet, and the world's leading freshwater research institution flourish here. The water technology services industry in Milwaukee is the densest and most globally connected of its kind in North America.
The water industry in Milwaukee
Milwaukee's water industry market size
Water-related jobs in the region
The M7 Region builds what’s next.
Water-related companies with operations in the region
Largest global water firms with Milwaukee-area presence
Academic scientists and researchers focused on freshwater
Why Milwaukee leads the world in water technology
Milwaukee is geographically unique because it spans both the Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds, the two largest watersheds in the United States. This creates an unmatched research environment for water movement, treatment technology, water and wastewater treatment, quality, and sustainable use. Companies building the next generation of water infrastructure have access to real world testing conditions, academic collaboration, and a market-ready workforce that doesn't exist anywhere else on earth.
Global water industry leaders headquartered here or nearby include Badger Meter, A.O. Smith, and Kohler alongside a growing ecosystem of emerging firms that chose Milwaukee for its research infrastructure, talent, and peer network. When it comes to delivering clean drinking water and pioneering sustainable solutions, the Milwaukee region leads the way.
Academic + research prowess
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.
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. It provides a network for cities to share best practices, guidance, and a framework of outcomes and metrics in 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.
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