Policy Brief: Analyzing Sediment and Bacterial Pollutant Sources in the Milwaukee River Watershed to Enhance Total Maximum Daily Load Mitigation Strategies 

The presence of Total Suspended Solids and fecal bacteria in urban watersheds is a critical issue affecting water quality and public health. Effective management of these pollutants is challenging because the sources and timing of the loading into water systems is not well characterized. Drs. Ryan Newton and Sandra McLellan, scientists with the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Sciences, conducted a two-year study on the Milwaukee River to understand the sources and loading of these pollutants when it rains. Their research revealed some surprising results for water managers. In this policy brief, we explain the research and its implications for water managers.