The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District has initiated a combined sewer overflow as heavy rains continue hitting the Milwaukee area.
The combined sewer overflow started at about 12:45 p.m. on Aug. 1 to reduce the risk of basement backups, according to a Aug. 1 statement from the sewerage district. It is the second combined sewer overflow in 2026 — the first occurring during April’s heavy rainfall.
The announcement came after MMSD sent out a message around 7:30 a.m., asking residents to limit water use until after the storm passes.
Half of the sewer districts 20 rain gauges are indicating more than 3 inches of rain since rainfall began on Friday, July 31, the statement said.
The South Shore water reclamation facility is operating at half capacity due to ongoing construction.
Under federal law, the sewerage district is permitted six combined sewer overflows each year. Since 1994, the district has captured and cleaned on average 98.6% of wastewater.
This story was updated to add information.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MMSD initiates combined sewer overflow, releasing untreated wastewater
Reporting by Vanessa Swales, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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By Vanessa Swales, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
