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MMSD Winter Storm Update - February 27 to March 1st, 2023

03/03/23 10:00:am

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) reported the following information to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regarding sewer overflows that resulted from the record-setting rain event from heavy rain and snowmelt on February 27, 2023, to March 1st, 2023.

Combined Sewer Overflow: 230 Million Gallons

To reduce the risk of wastewater backing up into homes and businesses, a combined sewer overflow started at 11:30 am on February 27, 2023, and ended on March 1st, 2023, at 8:00 am. 

MMSD Rain gauges showed at least six areas in the service area that received more than two inches of rain on top of melting snow on February 27, 2023.

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

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

As a region, we've invested over $4 billion to reduce sewer overflows. MMSD's current financial forecast through 2032 calls for investing $3.4 billion in clean water infrastructure, flood management, green infrastructure, and debt financing to help protect public health and Lake Michigan. 

MMSD rain gauge February 27, 2023 showing the amount of rain in the Greater Milwaukee area in the last 12 hours.

MMSD Water Reclamation Facilities and Deep Tunnels on February 27, 2023

MMSD facility and deep tunnel volume as of February 27, 2023

MMSD's Overflow Volume Since 1992:

MMSD sewer overflow graphic from 1992 to the present year
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.