🛶 Let’s Dive In: What Milwaukee’s River Basin Report Card Reveals 🐠

Rock the Green
6 hours ago
4 min read

Milwaukee’s rivers have a story to tell.

They reflect where we’ve been, the progress we’ve made, and the choices we’re making every day as a community.

Each year, Milwaukee Riverkeeper releases its Milwaukee River Basin Report Card—a snapshot of the health of our waterways and a reminder that what we do on land directly impacts what flows through them.

The most recent report, from 2024, is both encouraging and clear:

We’ve made progress. But there is still work to do.

A system showing signs of improvement

The Milwaukee River Basin—which includes the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers—has come a long way over the past several decades.

Thanks to restoration efforts, policy changes, and strong community involvement, water quality has improved in many areas. That progress matters. It shows that when people show up and stay committed, change is possible.

The challenges that remain

At the same time, the report highlights several ongoing issues that continue to impact river health:

Elevated bacteria (E. coli) levels that affect safe recreation
High levels of phosphorus, which contribute to algae growth
Urban and agricultural runoff carrying pollutants into waterways
Increasing levels of chloride, often tied to road salt

These challenges are not isolated—they’re connected to how we live, build, and move through the world every day.

Climate is reshaping the landscape

Another key takeaway from this year’s report is the growing impact of climate.

More frequent and intense rain events are increasing runoff, washing pollutants into our rivers more quickly and in greater volume. At the same time, periods of low flow can concentrate contaminants, putting additional stress on ecosystems that are still recovering.

The result is a system that is becoming more unpredictable—and more vulnerable.

Powered by community

One of the most powerful aspects of the report is how it comes to life. More than 100 volunteers contributed over 1,300 hours of water quality monitoring, helping track conditions across the basin and build a clearer picture of river health over time. This is community science in action. It’s people showing up not just to understand the problem—but to be part of the solution.

Why this matters

Our rivers are not separate from us. They run through our neighborhoods, shape our public spaces, and ultimately flow into Lake Michigan—our primary source of drinking water. They are where people gather, explore, and reconnect with nature. And what we do—on our lawns, in our streets, across our communities—directly impacts their health. This is not just an environmental issue.It’s a community issue.

Turn insight into action

Each spring, Milwaukee Riverkeeper’s Spring Cleanup brings together more than 4,000 volunteers annually to remove trash and debris from rivers, streams, and shorelines across the region.

Now in its 31st year, the cleanup has helped remove over 100,000 pounds of trash from local waterways—demonstrating the power of collective action over time.

This year, that effort is reaching a new level. On April 25th, Milwaukee Riverkeeper is aiming to set a Guinness World Record for the largest multi-site, one-day river cleanup, bringing together volunteers across the Milwaukee River Basin in a powerful demonstration of community commitment.

As Jennifer Bolger Breceda shared, “Healthy rivers are built over time, not in a single day. It takes ongoing dedication from individuals, organizations, and communities working together year-round. A cleaner river doesn’t happen by chance, it happens because people show up. This record attempt is a celebration of the commitment people have shown to our shared waters for over 30 years, and a call to keep going.”

It’s a simple act with a tangible impact—and a powerful reminder that small actions, multiplied across a community, create real change.

👉 Register for the Spring Cleanup

From action to connection

After the cleanup, the community gathers for Rock the Green’s Earth Day Celebration—a free, zero-waste event powered by music, sustainability, and shared purpose.

Because this work isn’t just about data.

It’s about connection.It’s about responsibility.And it’s about showing up—for each other and for the place we call home.

About Milwaukee Riverkeeper

Dedicated to a Swimmable, Fishable, Clean Milwaukee River Basin

Milwaukee Riverkeeper is a community-led, science-backed nonprofit working to protect and improve the health of the waterways in the Milwaukee River Basin.

Mission & Vision

To protect, improve, and advocate for water quality, riparian wildlife habitat, and sound land management in the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic River watersheds.

Milwaukee Riverkeeper envisions a future in which people from all walks of life can enjoy the healthy waterways of the Milwaukee River Basin.

Learn more

To explore the full report, visit:https://milwaukeeriverkeeper.org/2024-milwaukee-river-basin-report-card/

Be part of what comes next

The River Report Card gives us insight.

What we do with it is up to us.

Whether it’s making small changes in our daily lives, volunteering in our community, or simply paying closer attention to the world around us—every action matters.

Our rivers are telling a story.

Let’s be part of where it goes next.