Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility Turns 100 – Urban Milwaukee

Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility: A Century of Sustainable Water Management

Introduction

The Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, marks 100 years of pioneering efforts in wastewater treatment, contributing significantly to public health protection and environmental sustainability. As one of the first facilities of its kind in the United States, it exemplifies sustainable urban development and investment in clean-water infrastructure, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Historical Significance and Innovation

1. Establishment and Early Innovation: Opened in June 1925, after an 11-year experimental phase, Jones Island was the largest U.S. facility to implement the activated sludge method, utilizing microorganisms to naturally cleanse wastewater. This innovation supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
2. Environmental and Public Health Impact: The facility’s wastewater treatment processes remove harmful pathogens and pollutants, protecting Lake Michigan and local ecosystems, thereby advancing SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
3. Recognition: Designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1974 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, highlighting its leadership in sustainable wastewater treatment methods.

Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: The facility ensures safe water for drinking, recreation, and agriculture by effectively treating wastewater and stormwater for hundreds of thousands of residents.
• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: By removing disease-causing organisms, the facility has played a crucial role in reducing waterborne illnesses, such as typhoid, historically prevalent in Milwaukee.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Continuous infrastructure upgrades accommodate population growth and urban development, promoting resilient and sustainable urban environments.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: The facility’s byproduct, Milorganite®, an organic nitrogen fertilizer, exemplifies circular economy principles by repurposing microorganisms into a valuable resource, reducing waste.

Milorganite®: A Sustainable Byproduct

Since 1926, Jones Island has produced Milorganite®, an organic fertilizer derived from treated microorganisms. This product supports sustainable agriculture and gardening practices, contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12. Milorganite® is highly demanded nationwide, reflecting the facility’s role in promoting sustainable resource management.

Scale and Impact of Operations

• Since 1994, the facility has treated over 1 trillion gallons of wastewater and stormwater, demonstrating its vast capacity and ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
• This volume is equivalent to filling American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers, over 3,800 times or sustaining a 2.5-gallon-per-minute shower for approximately 761,000 years.
• The scale of treatment supports SDG 6 by ensuring continuous access to clean water for millions of people.

Leadership and Future Outlook

Leaders from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) and city officials emphasize the facility’s role in advancing sustainable water management technologies and public health protection. Ongoing investments and innovations aim to maintain and enhance the facility’s capacity to meet future urban and environmental challenges, reinforcing commitments to multiple SDGs.

Conclusion

The Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility stands as a century-long testament to sustainable development, environmental protection, and public health advancement. Its integration of innovative wastewater treatment technologies and sustainable practices aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals, making it a model for urban water management worldwide.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights the role of wastewater treatment in removing harmful pathogens and disease-causing organisms, which directly protects public health.
   • Reduction of typhoid cases and deaths through improved sanitation is mentioned.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility’s work in treating wastewater and protecting Lake Michigan aligns with ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation.
   • Focus on sustainable urban development and clean-water infrastructure.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses pioneering wastewater treatment technology (activated sludge method) and continuous innovation in infrastructure.
   • Recognition as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark highlights infrastructure development.
4. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Protecting lakes, rivers, fish, and wildlife by removing pollutants from water supports conservation and sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The facility supports sustainable urban development by managing wastewater effectively for a growing population.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of water-borne diseases such as typhoid by improving sanitation and hygiene.
   • Target 3.9: Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
4. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Health Indicators
   • Number of typhoid cases and deaths reported (historical data from 1910).
   • Reduction in waterborne diseases due to improved wastewater treatment.
2. Water Quality and Sanitation Indicators
   • Volume of wastewater and stormwater treated (e.g., over 1 trillion gallons treated since 1994).
   • Water quality parameters such as pathogen levels and pollutant concentrations (implied through the description of treatment processes).
   • Availability of safe water for drinking, swimming, and agriculture.
3. Infrastructure and Innovation Indicators
   • Number of facilities using activated sludge method or similar innovative technologies.
   • Recognition as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and placement on the National Register of Historic Places as indicators of infrastructure development and innovation.
4. Environmental Impact Indicators
   • Protection of aquatic ecosystems (lakes, rivers, fish, wildlife) through pollution reduction.
   • Production and use of recycled products such as Milorganite® fertilizer, indicating resource reuse.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: urbanmilwaukee.com