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MMSD Storm Update: April 17th, 2026

04/17/26 04:30:pm

The following report to the DNR describes the overflow and wet-weather treatment process that began on April 14, 2026. As the event is ongoing, an estimate of the overflow volume is unavailable. Upon completion of the event, MMSD will complete and report its analysis of overflow volumes.

 April 14, 2026, Combined Sewer Overflow Report to WDNR

Milwaukee Rain & Facility Information

Greater Milwaukee Rainfall April 12 - April 17, 2026

rain gauge map

On April 14, 2026, the Greater Milwaukee area experienced intense rain combined with fully saturated ground conditions. This heavy rain throughout the day led to an initial round of combined and separate sewer overflows that night. Rainfall continued into April 15th, with a second storm system depositing an additional 3.63 inches of rain into the combined sewer area. With storage capacity reduced and additional precipitation forecasted, the decision was made to close the combined sewer gates to preserve remaining capacity for sanitary sewage and prevent basement backups. Continued rain and storms are forecasted for Greater Milwaukee through April 18, 2026. 

MMSD Rain gauges show the volume of rain throughout MMSD's service area.

One inch of rain in MMSD's service area equals 7.1 billion gallons of water.

View a map of the impacted waters from the sewer overflow in the Greater Milwaukee area.

MMSD Water Drop Alert

Text: WATERDROP to 414-296-4422 for Española texto GOTADEAGUA a 414-296-4422

Receive Water Drop Alert text messages when heavy rain threatens the area. When a Water Drop Alert has been issued, a reminder is sent to use less water.

What do you do when an alert is issued?

  • Hold off on washing dishes and laundry
  • Take a shorter shower 
  • Empty your rain barrel
water flooding in basement

IMPORTANT! Water in the Basement can be dangerous

  1. Do not go into a basement with standing water. Electricity + Water = Danger.
  2. Call your municipal public works department to report the problem. If your municipality is unable to help you, call MMSD at (414) 272-5100 or report a wet basement.
  3. Call your homeowners/renters insurance agent.
  4. Wait for the water to drain out of the basement before entering. Or, call a qualified electrician to disconnect the power before you enter a flooded basement.
Heavy rains resulting in dangerous Milwaukee area Rivers

???? Heavy Rains = Dangerous Rivers ????  

Please be safe around our concrete-lined rivers. STAY OUT of the concrete-lined channel since the water is fast-moving and the concrete is slippery. Call 911 if someone is in danger. We need your help in keeping our community safe.