Jones Island Water Reclamation Plant

Learn about the history of Jones Island, the water reclamation process, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) programs, the making of Milorganite, and Veolia North America, a global environmental services company.

Opened in 1926, this facility was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1974. World-renowned for pioneering the way in modern wastewater treatment technology, Jones Island was also one of the first facilities in the world to produce a fertilizer as the by-product of the water reclamation process: Milorganite® . Capable of treating more than 300 million gallons a day, the facility is owned and governed by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) and operated and maintained by Veolia Water Milwaukee. Virtual visitors will learn about the history of Jones Island, the water reclamation process, MMSD programs, the making of Milorganite, and Veolia North America, a global environmental services company.

Video Tours: Check the videos below to take a virtual tour of the Jones Island reclamation plant, learn how Milorganite® fertilizer is made, and about how our actions can protect our drinking water, Lake Michigan, and help reduce the risk of sewerwater backing up into your basement or overflowing into our waterways.

Thanks to Veolia for supporting Doors Open as a sponsor!