When the Lead and Copper Rule was first issued in 1991, it put federal limits on the acceptable amount of these metals found in drinking water. Cities started testing their water. Researchers experimented with chemicals that could inhibit the corrosion of pipes — the main source of contamination. But for some cities, like Madison, Wis., that simply wasn’t enough. "[The Lead and Copper Rule] has a fundamental flaw, and that is: it's over-simplistic. It doesn't acknowledge the multiple factors by

What Can Milwaukee Learn From Madison's Lead Pipe Removal?

In-depth reporting, extensive coverage on issues vital to southeastern Wisconsin. WUWM's latest series — Great Lakes, Troubled Waters — dives in to the topic of clean water, or the lack there of.

News & Politics

A group of Wisconsin legislators spent more than five hours Thursday listening to experts, advocates and residents who gathered in Racine . The topic was water quality and how to improve it. Water quality has become a buzz phrase in Wisconsin. During his first state of the state report, Gov. Tony Evers declared 2019 "the year of clean drinking water." Weeks earlier Assembly Speaker Robin Vos began setting up a task force to determine the key sources of water contamination and ways to remedy them

Wisconsin's Water Quality: People Share Concerns & Propose Solutions At Racine Hearing

Milwaukee experienced the largest outbreak of cryptosporidium in the spring of 1993. The outbreak made 400,000 sick. Over 4,000 were hospitalized. And 104 deaths were recorded. It made a lasting impression for many who got sick or simply lived through it.

'It's Something I'll Never Forget': Cryptosporidium's Impact On Milwaukeeans

Some people are concerned about the many lead pipes that deliver water into older Milwaukee homes. Others applaud the city for tackling stormwater management through green infrastructure . But how is Milwaukee doing at creating a comprehensive water management plan? When it comes to water, Jenny Kehl has an unabashedly candid view on the importance of planning for today and the future. Kehl is a global water security scholar for UW-Milwaukee and associate professor at its School of Freshwater

Why Milwaukee Needs A Comprehensive Water Management Plan

Wisconsin scientists are working on new ways to protect drinking and surface water from pollutants. They’re also investigating better methods of cleaning water that's already contaminated. But researchers say success may cost taxpayers more money. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Preston Cole has been promising to place a higher priority on good science when crafting policy. For example, he hopes better research will lead to cleaner drinking water. » See More Project Milwaukee:

Wisconsin Scientists Are Trying New Techniques To Help Protect Water

Editor's note: This piece was originally published on Nov. 3, 2017. Imagine you're driving into downtown Milwaukee over the Hoan Bridge. Lake Michigan glistens to the east, the city's skyline rises before you, and then WHAM! A smell infiltrates your car and overwhelms your senses. If you've experienced it, you know what we are referring to. If you haven't, some people describe the smell like this: Bubbler Talk question asker Terry wanted us to follow that scent: "What's that rotten egg smell,

What Can Milwaukee Learn From Madison's Lead Pipe Removal?

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