Since 2000, the USGS and MMSD have been partners in the Milwaukee Area Watercourse Corridor Study. The USGS has applied a multi-disciplinary approach to monitor and assess stream water quality within studies of aquatic communities, geomorphology and habitat, water and sediment, and streamflow. Results are provided to MMSD and watershed management agencies for planning and decision-making.

The Watercourse Corridor Study (Corridor Study) is a cooperative effort between the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in coordination with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences. Together, these partners are collecting and evaluating hydrologic, geographic, physical, biological, and chemical data for the major waterways and their adjacent corridors within MMSD’s service area. This information supports the goals outlined in MMSD’s Water Quality Monitoring Program and Facility Plans:
- To monitor the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of aquatic ecosystems (within the MMSD service area) to assess the impacts of stream improvement practices
- To monitor the water quality of Lake Michigan harbors and local waterways within the MMSD service area
- To provide physical, chemical, and biological data on the quality of water, wastewater, and sediment and how it relates to MMSD’s operations and facilities
- To maintain a historical water quality database
The USGS project for the MMSD Corridor Study consists of six phases:
- Phase I (2000–2003): Development of a baseline inventory database and selection of potential areas for future study to support the evaluation of the impacts of MMSD projects.
- Phase II (2004–2005): Conducting an intensive data-collection effort to fill gaps identified in Phase I and to update historical data.
- Phase III (2006–2010): Development of additional areas of study based on Phase II analysis and continued streamflow measurement and maintenance of the database system.
- Phase IV (2011–2015): Extending areas of study for more in-depth understanding of biology and water quality.
- Phase V (2016–2020): Extending additional areas of study for more in-depth understanding of biology and water quality.
- Phase VI (2021–2025): Extending additional areas of study for more in-depth understanding of biology and water quality. The objectives of the Phase VI activities are to build upon information obtained during Phases I through V by extending the study of influences on stream biology and geomorphology; biological, water-quality, and water-quantity impacts from watershed and infrastructure influences; evaluation of restoration activities; measurement of streamflow; evaluation of toxic contaminants; determination of nutrient dynamics; and water-quality trends over time.
During the current 5-year study period for Phase VI (2021-2025), the following six topics are being addressed by one or more USGS subprojects:
1. Ecological Assessments and Trends
a. Ecological Assessments and Trends at 15 Core Stream Sites
b. Bioavailable Waterborne Contaminants at 15 Core Stream Sites
c. Stream Health Synthesis
2. Geomorphology and Habitat Studies Related to Stream and Estuary Rehabilitation
a. Evaluating the Efficacy of Fish Passage Restoration Efforts
b. Evaluating the Efficacy of Fish Passage Restoration Efforts: Targeted Study in the Underwood Creek Watershed
c. Milwaukee River Estuary Geomorphology, Hydrodynamics, and Habitat
3. Contaminants in Water and Sediment
a. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Surveillance in Milwaukee Area Streams
b. Evaluation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) Trends and Estimation of Source Contributions in Stream Sediments
c. Characterization of Microplastic Sources in Milwaukee-Area Streams
d. Basin-Wide Microbial Investigations and Sewage Loading to the Estuary
e. Long-Term Water-Quality Trends in Milwaukee-Area Streams
a. Assessment of Watershed Renewal through Green Infrastructure
b. Evaluating the Performance of Infiltration-Based Green Infrastructure on Contaminant Removal

Results
Phase I (2000–2003): A Baseline Inventory database was created to support the evaluation of the impacts of MMSD projects. This database supported the MMSD’s ability to obtain regulatory permits and approvals, assists in project design, and improved project coordination. The database was developed and populated with MMSD data and other data, including the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) biology and chemistry data, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chemistry data, and the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) digital floodplain-mapping project. With the advancement of online data accessibility since this phase, this database was replaced by national- and state-level online databases.
Phase II (2004–2005): USGS completed an intensive data-collection effort to fill in data gaps that were identified in Phase I and to update historical data. Data were collected from 15 stream sites and 6 harbor sites and included assessments of surface water chemistry, microbial concentrations, stream discharge, sediment chemistry, fish-tissue chemistry, habitat, and ecological health (fish, macroinvertebrates, and algae). In addition to filling in gaps, this effort created a baseline that aided MMSD in defining existing characteristics of the streams and served as the basis for future impact evaluations and trend analyses.
Phase III (2006–2010): This phase consisted of a combination of baseline efforts and specific study topics addressing needs that were identified during Phases I & II. Baseline efforts included database continuation and flow measurement at 5 streams. Specific study topics included data collection and interpretation for biological water-quality assessment, microbiological investigations, aquatic toxicity assessments, and evaluation of a suite of trace organic contaminants in Milwaukee area waterways.

Phase IV (2011–2015): This phase included more in-depth study for biology and water quality, including biological and habitat assessment and trends, geomorphology and hydrology assessments, continuous real-time streamflow at five sites, microbiological investigations and modern methods for detecting wastewater contamination, trends in stream chloride concentrations due to road salt applications, and evaluation of the sources of toxic PAH contaminants in Milwaukee area streams. USGS also assisted MMSD in determining options for evolving the database capabilities and incorporating existing online tools (STORET and Water Quality Portal) to eliminate the need for custom database applications while still providing web-accessible data.
Phase V (2016–2020): This phase continued to focus on in-depth studies, with investigations into biological assessments and trends, geomorphology and sediment assessments, efficacy of fish passage restoration efforts, continuous real-time streamflow at seven sites, microbiological investigations and modern methods for detecting wastewater contamination, microplastic prevalence, trends in stream concentrations for 5 high-priority pollutants identified by MMSD, and evaluation of the sources of toxic PAH contaminants in lake sediments.
Phase VI (2021–2025): Results are in progress
Below is a listing of the scientists leading MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study subprojects.
Below are data publications associated with the MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study.
Select optical signals from water samples collected on the Menomonee River, Underwood Creek, and Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility from 2017-2019, and time-series optical sensor and one-hour mean streamflow data from the Menomonee River 2017-2018
Topobathymetric Digital Elevation Model (TBDEM) of the Milwaukee River Estuary, MIlwaukee, WI and adjacent terrestrial and Lake Michigan nearshore coastal areas
Water temperature data in the Milwaukee Estuary of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
Aquatic community and environmental data for 14 rivers and streams in the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Planning Area, 2004-13
Microplastics in the water column and sediment in Milwaukee-Area streams, the Milwaukee Harbor, and Lake Michigan, 2016
Human-associated indicator bacteria and human specific virus loads, sample volumes, and drainage areas for six Menomonee River Watershed sampling locations
Below are slideshows for selected subprojects from the MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study.
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 1a. Ecological Assessments Gallery
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 1b. Bioavailable Contaminants Gallery
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 2a. Stream Restoration Gallery
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 2b. Targeted Restoration Evaluation at Underwood Gallery
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 3b. PAHs in Sediments Gallery
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 3c. Microplastics Gallery
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 3d. Microbiology Gallery
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 3e. Water-Quality Trends Gallery
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 5. Nutrient Evaluations Gallery
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 6. Continuous Real-Time Streamflow
Below are interpretive and other publications associated with the MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study.
Optical properties of water for prediction of wastewater contamination, human-associated bacteria, and fecal indicator bacteria in surface water at three watershed scales
Summary of fish communities along Underwood Creek, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2004–2019
Physical and chemical stressors on algal, invertebrate, and fish communities in 14 Milwaukee area streams, 2004–2013
Ecological status of aquatic communities in selected streams in the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District planning area of Wisconsin, 2004–13
Vertical distribution of microplastics in the water column and surficial sediment from the Milwaukee River basin to Lake Michigan
Human-associated indicator bacteria and human-specific viruses in surface water: a spatial assessment with implications on fate and transport
Response to comment on “Primary sources and toxicity of PAHs in Milwaukee-area streambed sediments”—The authors' reply
Primary sources and toxicity of PAHs in Milwaukee-area streambed sediment
Stream geomorphic and habitat data from a baseline study of Underwood Creek, Wisconsin, 2012
Organic waste compounds as contaminants in Milwaukee-area streams
River chloride trends in snow-affected urban watersheds: increasing concentrations outpace urban growth rate and are common among all seasons
Human and bovine viruses in the Milwaukee River Watershed: hydrologically relevant representation and relations with environmental variables
Below are links to the UMid WSC social media accounts, as well as contact information for the scientists leading MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study subprojects.
Steven R Corsi
Research Hydrologist (Chemistry)
Faith A Fitzpatrick
Research Hydrologist (Geology)
- Overview
Since 2000, the USGS and MMSD have been partners in the Milwaukee Area Watercourse Corridor Study. The USGS has applied a multi-disciplinary approach to monitor and assess stream water quality within studies of aquatic communities, geomorphology and habitat, water and sediment, and streamflow. Results are provided to MMSD and watershed management agencies for planning and decision-making.
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. Visit Media to see details.The Watercourse Corridor Study (Corridor Study) is a cooperative effort between the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in coordination with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences. Together, these partners are collecting and evaluating hydrologic, geographic, physical, biological, and chemical data for the major waterways and their adjacent corridors within MMSD’s service area. This information supports the goals outlined in MMSD’s Water Quality Monitoring Program and Facility Plans:
- To monitor the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of aquatic ecosystems (within the MMSD service area) to assess the impacts of stream improvement practices
- To monitor the water quality of Lake Michigan harbors and local waterways within the MMSD service area
- To provide physical, chemical, and biological data on the quality of water, wastewater, and sediment and how it relates to MMSD’s operations and facilities
- To maintain a historical water quality database
The USGS project for the MMSD Corridor Study consists of six phases:
- Phase I (2000–2003): Development of a baseline inventory database and selection of potential areas for future study to support the evaluation of the impacts of MMSD projects.
- Phase II (2004–2005): Conducting an intensive data-collection effort to fill gaps identified in Phase I and to update historical data.
- Phase III (2006–2010): Development of additional areas of study based on Phase II analysis and continued streamflow measurement and maintenance of the database system.
- Phase IV (2011–2015): Extending areas of study for more in-depth understanding of biology and water quality.
- Phase V (2016–2020): Extending additional areas of study for more in-depth understanding of biology and water quality.
- Phase VI (2021–2025): Extending additional areas of study for more in-depth understanding of biology and water quality. The objectives of the Phase VI activities are to build upon information obtained during Phases I through V by extending the study of influences on stream biology and geomorphology; biological, water-quality, and water-quantity impacts from watershed and infrastructure influences; evaluation of restoration activities; measurement of streamflow; evaluation of toxic contaminants; determination of nutrient dynamics; and water-quality trends over time.
U.S. Geological Survey sampling sites in the Milwaukee metropolitan area for various subprojects associated with Phase VI of the Watercourse Corridor Study (2021-2025). Of note, sites for four sub-projects overlap with the 15 core ecological sites; two of these subprojects have additional sites as well. There are nine sites that fall outside of the area shown on the map (seven PAH sites in Dane County, Wisconsin; two restoration evaluation sites in southeastern Wisconsin). [Map legend definitions: Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), green infrastructure (GI)] (Credit: Michelle Nott, USGS) Click map to open in larger window. During the current 5-year study period for Phase VI (2021-2025), the following six topics are being addressed by one or more USGS subprojects:
1. Ecological Assessments and Trends
a. Ecological Assessments and Trends at 15 Core Stream Sites
b. Bioavailable Waterborne Contaminants at 15 Core Stream Sites
c. Stream Health Synthesis
2. Geomorphology and Habitat Studies Related to Stream and Estuary Rehabilitation
a. Evaluating the Efficacy of Fish Passage Restoration Efforts
b. Evaluating the Efficacy of Fish Passage Restoration Efforts: Targeted Study in the Underwood Creek Watershed
c. Milwaukee River Estuary Geomorphology, Hydrodynamics, and Habitat
3. Contaminants in Water and Sediment
a. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Surveillance in Milwaukee Area Streams
b. Evaluation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) Trends and Estimation of Source Contributions in Stream Sediments
c. Characterization of Microplastic Sources in Milwaukee-Area Streams
d. Basin-Wide Microbial Investigations and Sewage Loading to the Estuary
e. Long-Term Water-Quality Trends in Milwaukee-Area Streams
a. Assessment of Watershed Renewal through Green Infrastructure
b. Evaluating the Performance of Infiltration-Based Green Infrastructure on Contaminant Removal
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. Visit Media to see details.View of the Menomonee River near 70th Street in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Results
Phase I (2000–2003): A Baseline Inventory database was created to support the evaluation of the impacts of MMSD projects. This database supported the MMSD’s ability to obtain regulatory permits and approvals, assists in project design, and improved project coordination. The database was developed and populated with MMSD data and other data, including the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) biology and chemistry data, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chemistry data, and the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) digital floodplain-mapping project. With the advancement of online data accessibility since this phase, this database was replaced by national- and state-level online databases.
Phase II (2004–2005): USGS completed an intensive data-collection effort to fill in data gaps that were identified in Phase I and to update historical data. Data were collected from 15 stream sites and 6 harbor sites and included assessments of surface water chemistry, microbial concentrations, stream discharge, sediment chemistry, fish-tissue chemistry, habitat, and ecological health (fish, macroinvertebrates, and algae). In addition to filling in gaps, this effort created a baseline that aided MMSD in defining existing characteristics of the streams and served as the basis for future impact evaluations and trend analyses.
Phase III (2006–2010): This phase consisted of a combination of baseline efforts and specific study topics addressing needs that were identified during Phases I & II. Baseline efforts included database continuation and flow measurement at 5 streams. Specific study topics included data collection and interpretation for biological water-quality assessment, microbiological investigations, aquatic toxicity assessments, and evaluation of a suite of trace organic contaminants in Milwaukee area waterways.
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. Visit Media to see details.A restored section of the Kinnickinnic River near 6th Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in summer. Phase IV (2011–2015): This phase included more in-depth study for biology and water quality, including biological and habitat assessment and trends, geomorphology and hydrology assessments, continuous real-time streamflow at five sites, microbiological investigations and modern methods for detecting wastewater contamination, trends in stream chloride concentrations due to road salt applications, and evaluation of the sources of toxic PAH contaminants in Milwaukee area streams. USGS also assisted MMSD in determining options for evolving the database capabilities and incorporating existing online tools (STORET and Water Quality Portal) to eliminate the need for custom database applications while still providing web-accessible data.
Phase V (2016–2020): This phase continued to focus on in-depth studies, with investigations into biological assessments and trends, geomorphology and sediment assessments, efficacy of fish passage restoration efforts, continuous real-time streamflow at seven sites, microbiological investigations and modern methods for detecting wastewater contamination, microplastic prevalence, trends in stream concentrations for 5 high-priority pollutants identified by MMSD, and evaluation of the sources of toxic PAH contaminants in lake sediments.
Phase VI (2021–2025): Results are in progress
Below is a listing of the scientists leading MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study subprojects.
- Data
Below are data publications associated with the MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study.
Select optical signals from water samples collected on the Menomonee River, Underwood Creek, and Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility from 2017-2019, and time-series optical sensor and one-hour mean streamflow data from the Menomonee River 2017-2018
5-day composite river water samples were collected from two sites: Menomonee River (U.S. Geological Survey station number 04087142) and Underwood Creek (U.S. Geological Survey station number 04087088) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 5-day composite wastewater (raw sewage) influent samples were also collected from the Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility (U.S. Geological Survey station number 430125087Topobathymetric Digital Elevation Model (TBDEM) of the Milwaukee River Estuary, MIlwaukee, WI and adjacent terrestrial and Lake Michigan nearshore coastal areas
This topobathymetric digital elevation model (TBDEM) mosaic represents the topography and bathymetry for the Milwaukee River Estuary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and adjacent terrestrial and Lake Michigan nearshore coastal areas. The TBDEM was produced in support of modeling and for developing a physical habitat framework to help with understanding the effects from multidirectional currents and seicheWater temperature data in the Milwaukee Estuary of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
This dataset contains water temperature data collected by boat tow on August 30, 2019 between approximately 8:00 AM and 12:15 PM Central Standard Time (CST) in the Milwaukee Estuary of Lake Michigan. The data includes measured water temperatures, depth of collection, water column depth, time of collection, and geospatial coordinates. The objective of this data collection was to produce longitudinaAquatic community and environmental data for 14 rivers and streams in the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Planning Area, 2004-13
In 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey sampled benthic algae and invertebrates, and fish to assess the condition of the aquatic communities and water quality in 14 wadable streams near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Additional community sampling was also done at a subset of three sites in 2011 and 2012 to assess temporal variation. Selected environmental (physical and chemical) data in tMicroplastics in the water column and sediment in Milwaukee-Area streams, the Milwaukee Harbor, and Lake Michigan, 2016
This dataset describes the quantity, morphology, and polymer identity of microplastics in the water column and surficial sediments of Milwaukee-Area streams, the Milwaukee Harbor, and Lake Michigan (Wisconsin). Water samples were collected at 10 locations, 2-4 times each, from May to September, 2016. At the 4 shallowest locations, water was collected only at the water surface. At the remaining 6 lHuman-associated indicator bacteria and human specific virus loads, sample volumes, and drainage areas for six Menomonee River Watershed sampling locations
Human-associated indicator bacteria and human specific viruses in the Menomonee River watershed in Milwaukee, WI were investigated from April 2009 to March 2011 at six sampling locations within the watershed. We used concentration and water volume data from runoff-event and low-flow periods to compute loads for each sample collected, and subsequently used those loads, and drainage area from each - Multimedia
Below are slideshows for selected subprojects from the MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study.
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 1a. Ecological Assessments GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 1a. Ecological Assessments GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 1b. Bioavailable Contaminants GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 1b. Bioavailable Contaminants GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 2a. Stream Restoration GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 2a. Stream Restoration GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 2b. Targeted Restoration Evaluation at Underwood GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 2b. Targeted Restoration Evaluation at Underwood GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 3b. PAHs in Sediments GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 3b. PAHs in Sediments GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 3c. Microplastics GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 3c. Microplastics GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 3d. Microbiology GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 3d. Microbiology GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 3e. Water-Quality Trends GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 3e. Water-Quality Trends GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 5. Nutrient Evaluations GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 5. Nutrient Evaluations GalleryMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 6. Continuous Real-Time StreamflowMMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: 6. Continuous Real-Time Streamflow - Publications
Below are interpretive and other publications associated with the MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study.
Filter Total Items: 19Optical properties of water for prediction of wastewater contamination, human-associated bacteria, and fecal indicator bacteria in surface water at three watershed scales
Relations between spectral absorbance and fluorescence properties of water and human-associated and fecal indicator bacteria were developed for facilitating field sensor applications to estimate wastewater contamination in waterways. Leaking wastewater conveyance infrastructure commonly contaminates receiving waters. Methods to quantify such contamination can be time consuming, expensive, and ofteAuthorsSteven R. Corsi, Laura A. DeCicco, Angela Hansen, Peter L. Lenaker, Brian A. Bergamaschi, Brian A. Pellerin, Debra Dila, Melinda Bootsma, Susan Spencer, Mark A. Borchardt, Sandra L. McLellanSummary of fish communities along Underwood Creek, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2004–2019
Beginning in 2010, sections of Underwood Creek in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, have undergone reconstruction to allow for improved fish habitat and better management of storm flows. In addition, dam and drop structures were removed to help improve fish migration while reintroducing several native fish species. With the reconstruction of Underwood Creek underway, the Milwaukee Metropolitan SewerageAuthorsAmanda H. Bell, Daniel J. Sullivan, Barbara C. Scudder EikenberryPhysical and chemical stressors on algal, invertebrate, and fish communities in 14 Milwaukee area streams, 2004–2013
In 2004, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began sampling 14 wadable streams in urban or urbanizing watersheds near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The overall goal of the study is to assess the health of the aquatic communities in the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District planning area to inform current and future watershed management. In addition to collection of biological data on aquatic communities,AuthorsBarbara C. Scudder Eikenberry, Michelle A. Nott, Jana S. Stewart, Daniel J. Sullivan, David A. Alvarez, Amanda H. Bell, Faith A. FitzpatrickEcological status of aquatic communities in selected streams in the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District planning area of Wisconsin, 2004–13
A total of 14 wadable streams in urban or urbanizing watersheds near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were sampled in 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2013 to assess the ecological status of aquatic communities (biota), including benthic algae and invertebrates, and fish. To assess temporal variation, additional community sampling was also done at a subset of three sites in 2011 and 2012. Relative abundances of each tyAuthorsBarbara C. Scudder Eikenberry, Michelle A. Nott, Jana S. Stewart, Daniel J. Sullivan, David A. Alvarez, Amanda H. Bell, Faith A. FitzpatrickVertical distribution of microplastics in the water column and surficial sediment from the Milwaukee River basin to Lake Michigan
Microplastic contamination was studied along a freshwater continuum from inland streams to the Milwaukee River estuary to Lake Michigan, and vertically from the water surface, water subsurface and sediment. Microplastics were detected in all 96 water samples and nine sediment samples collected. Results indicated a gradient of polymer presence with depth: low-density particles decreased from waterAuthorsPeter L. Lenaker, Austin K. Baldwin, Steven R. Corsi, Sherri A. Mason, Paul Reneau, John W ScottHuman-associated indicator bacteria and human-specific viruses in surface water: a spatial assessment with implications on fate and transport
Hydrologic, seasonal, and spatial variability of sewage contamination was studied at six locations within a watershed upstream from water reclamation facility (WRF) effluent to define relative loadings of sewage from different portions of the watershed. Fecal pollution from human sources was spatially quantified by measuring two human-associated indicator bacteria (HIB) and eight human-specific viAuthorsPeter L. Lenaker, Steven R. Corsi, Sandra L. McLellan, Mark A. Borchardt, Hayley T. Olds, Deborah K. Dila, Susan K. Spencer, Austin K. BaldwinResponse to comment on “Primary sources and toxicity of PAHs in Milwaukee-area streambed sediments”—The authors' reply
No abstract available.AuthorsAustin K. Baldwin, Steven R. Corsi, Michelle A. Lutz, Christopher G. Ingersoll, Rebecca A. Dorman, Christopher Magruder, Matthew MagruderPrimary sources and toxicity of PAHs in Milwaukee-area streambed sediment
High concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in streams can be a significant stressor to aquatic organisms. To understand the likely sources and toxicity of PAHs in Milwaukee-area streams, streambed sediment samples from 40 sites and parking lot dust samples from 6 sites were analyzed for 38 parent PAHs and 25 alkylated PAHs. Diagnostic ratios, profile correlations, principal comAuthorsAustin K. Baldwin, Steven R. Corsi, Michelle A. Lutz, Christopher G. Ingersoll, Rebecca A. Dorman, Christopher Magruder, Matthew MagruderStream geomorphic and habitat data from a baseline study of Underwood Creek, Wisconsin, 2012
Geomorphic and habitat data were collected along Underwood Creek as part of a larger study of stream water quality conditions in the greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area. The data were collected to characterize baseline physical conditions in Underwood Creek prior to a potential discharge of wastewater return flow to the stream from the city of Waukesha, Wis. Geomorphic and habitat assessments wereAuthorsBenjamin M. Young, Faith A. Fitzpatrick, James D. BlountOrganic waste compounds as contaminants in Milwaukee-area streams
Organic waste compounds (OWCs) are ingredients and by-products of common agricultural, industrial, and household substances that can contaminate our streams through sources like urban runoff, sewage overflows, and leaking septic systems. To better understand how OWCs are affecting Milwaukee-area streams, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District,AuthorsAustin K. Baldwin, Steven R. Corsi, Christopher Magruder, Matthew Magruder, Jennifer L. BruceRiver chloride trends in snow-affected urban watersheds: increasing concentrations outpace urban growth rate and are common among all seasons
Chloride concentrations in northern U.S. included in this study have increased substantially over time with average concentrations approximately doubling from 1990 to 2011, outpacing the rate of urbanization in the northern U.S. Historical data were examined for 30 monitoring sites on 19 streams that had chloride concentration and flow records of 18 to 49 years. Chloride concentrations in most stuAuthorsSteven R. Corsi, Laura A. De Cicco, Michelle A. Lutz, Robert M. HirschHuman and bovine viruses in the Milwaukee River Watershed: hydrologically relevant representation and relations with environmental variables
To examine the occurrence, hydrologic variability, and seasonal variability of human and bovine viruses in surface water, three stream locations were monitored in the Milwaukee River watershed in Wisconsin, USA, from February 2007 through June 2008. Monitoring sites included an urban subwatershed, a rural subwatershed, and the Milwaukee River at the mouth. To collect samples that characterize variAuthorsSteven R. Corsi, M. A. Borchardt, S. K. Spencer, Peter E. Hughes, Austin K. Baldwin - Connect
Below are links to the UMid WSC social media accounts, as well as contact information for the scientists leading MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study subprojects.
Steven R Corsi
Research Hydrologist (Chemistry)EmailPhoneFaith A Fitzpatrick
Research Hydrologist (Geology)EmailPhone