By Blake Jackson
The Great Lakes region, especially Milwaukee, is quickly becoming a global leader in water technology. At the confluence of the Milwaukee and Menominee rivers, you can witness the rise of a new “blue economy.” Here, research centers, tech incubators, and utility services are working together to drive growth in water-focused innovation.
Unlike the early rise of Silicon Valley, which was supported by large government investments, the blue economy is developing during a time when federal research funding is limited. Still, the region is making impressive progress.
In Milwaukee, The Water Council serves as a hub for water-based businesses and startups. Companies like Badger Meter, a water monitoring firm now worth $7 billion, showcase the sector’s strong growth. Not far from the incubator, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Science focuses on water systems and equipment research.
The city’s historical connection to water use is also significant. The old Pabst Brewery, once a major water user, represents Milwaukee’s industrial roots. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Jones Island plant converts sewage into lawn and golf course fertilizer.
These developments are not limited to Milwaukee. In Chicago, institutions like Argonne National Laboratory, Northwestern University, and Sloan Valve Company play key roles. In Cleveland, the Cleveland Water Alliance, Case Western Reserve University, and faucet maker Moen support Ohio’s place in the water economy.
Together, these cities are building a strong network of innovation, technology, and water management expertise, helping to ensure that the Great Lakes remain a vital economic and environmental resource for the future.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Wisconsin, Business