About the Program:

In 2020, we began the water refilling station program to support the Black Lives Matter movement by providing water and reusable bottles at marches, rallies, and other events. Today we have expanded the program to include other local events such as Pride Fest, Chill on the Hill, and HKE MKE. Since our program began we have prevented over 6,500 single-use plastic water bottles and interest increases each year. This program is supported by our volunteers and strives to provide a model for hosting plastic-free events.

Why Refuse Single-Use Water Bottles

Plastic pollutes at every stage of its life cycle and disproportionately harms BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities. By providing a more sustainable and socially conscious alternative to single-use water bottles, we are also taking a stand against big business interests to exploit natural resources and communities of color. With 90% of bottled water containing tiny plastic pieces called microplastics, water sourced from locally-owned Clear and Fresh Water Inc. also provides a healthier hydration option.

Resources for Healthy Drinking Water at Home

The federal government requires more rigorous and frequent safety testing and monitoring of municipal drinking water than bottled water. Milwaukee Water Works is recognized as a national leader in providing safe, high-quality drinking water that meets or exceeds regulations, and for its water quality monitoring that goes above and beyond requirements. 

Though water is safe and clean when it leaves Milwaukee Water Works, many Milwaukeeans have valid concerns about lead-lined piping that may impact their water quality. 

• Look up your property on the WaterWorks website to find out if your property has a lead service line. 

• Check out the City’s Lead Pipe Resource page, Lead Safe MKE, for more information on how to reduce risk to you and your family. 

• See a list of examples of lead-removing water filters to determine what will work best for your household.

• Call (414) 286-2165 to get a free drinking water filter starter kit from the City of Milwaukee Health Department if you live in a home with...

  • A lead service line AND a child under six, a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, or a woman who may become pregnant; 

  • A 0-6 year-old child with a Blood Lead Level of 5 ug/dL or greater

  • New parents/guardians in high-risk areas for lead poisoning (zip codes 53204, 53206, 53208, and 53210). 

• Our Partners at Sixteenth Street Community Health Center facilitate a Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program that offers blood lead level tests and educational information. 

• You can learn more from our partner, the Coalition on Lead Emergency, Resources Page.

Advocate for Filtered, Not Bottled

The Plastic Pollution Coalition is helping to protect our community from toxic plastics during U.S. lead pipe replacements because all impacted households should be provided with a healthy water solution. You can ensure households have access to filtered, not bottled water by signing the petition, writing a letter to your local officials, and getting all the facts with their downloadable advocacy packet.