A World Water Hub
Milwaukee boasts one of the largest and most mature water technology hubs in the world, with decades of leadership demonstrated by water technology corporations, leading universities, forward-thinking utilities and more. Home to a vibrant research ecosystem and dynamic venture and start-up organizations, the region has established a global reputation for excelling in the development and nurturing of new water technologies and processes.
Here you’ll find:
- More than 250 water technology companies, from major corporations such as A. O. Smith Corporation and Badger Meter to startups that are changing the way we monitor, use and treat water.
- Research universities that are leading the way on water, including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences, the Marquette University Water Quality Center and the Freshwater Collaborative, linking emerging talent in water-related programs across the 13 Universities of Wisconsin campuses.
- Renowned drinking water and wastewater utilities known for their thought leadership, adoption of new technologies and green infrastructure
Civic and business leaders, recognizing Milwaukee’s status as a global hub for water technology, founded The Water Council in 2009. Although we work with water users and innovators around the world, we are proud to operate in the heart of the city and grow Milwaukee’s status as a place Where Water Works®.
Don’t just take our word for it!
Check out these case studies from Brookings and the Harvard Business School showcasing The Water Council and Milwaukee’s water technology cluster.
A Water Centric City
The City of Milwaukee’s Water Centric City Initiative recognizes the importance of water as essential to a sustainable and resilient future.
A Water Centric City is defined by seven principles:
- Applied water research
- Arts, talent, culture and education
- Fishable, swimmable water
- Green infrastructure
- Sustainable, healthy water supply
- Water leadership
- Water technology
The Water Council is a proud partner of the Water Centric City initiative.
Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
In 2025, The Water Council became an affiliate of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), deepening our roots in one of the world's most dynamic water technology ecosystems. The partnership strengthens The Water Council's regional impact while keeping our global mission – connecting and advancing water innovators worldwide – firmly at the center of everything we do.
