Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Discharges 96 Million Gallons of Untreated Wastewater into Lake Michigan
The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District reported that approximately 96 million gallons of untreated wastewater were discharged into Lake Michigan due to a storm at the beginning of August. The overflow began on August 1 and lasted for about 14 hours, following a rainfall of 3.41 inches recorded by the district's rain gauge on Jones Island. This incident marks the second combined sewer overflow of the year, with the first occurring in April, resulting in 2.7 billion gallons of untreated wastewater being released. The district is permitted up to six such overflows annually under federal law. The combined sewer system, which serves 6% of the district's area, is designed to prevent sewage backups into homes and businesses by acting as a release valve during heavy rainfall. 
