Global Challenges, Local Solutions

Bright Blue Alliance finds its base, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, a global hub for fresh water. The region is home to many of the world’s largest water-related companies, as well as more than 130 others which offer pragmatic solutions to challenges along each step of the full life-cycle of water.

Recognized for its multidisciplinary approach to maintaining and preserving water quality, the region has earned a Global Compact Cities Programme designation by The United Nations. Similarly noteworthy, The Milwaukee Water Council, of which Bright Blue Alliance is a proud member and contributing volunteer, was recently awarded Clean Water America Alliance’s U.S. Water Prize for leveraging collaboration around advancing water technology.

Academically, the region is home to universities which, through law, engineering, technician & operator, and business degree programs are developing the full spectrum of the future water generation. The region is also home to the Great Lakes Water Institute, the only graduate school and research facility in the U.S. dedicated to the study of freshwater sciences.  Globally, the regional educational institutions are active members of a consortium of leading water-related universities.

Smarter Cities Feed Themselves

Historically, Milwaukee means something akin to “gathering place by the water,” and after its early fur trading roots, its strategic location and proximity to abundant fresh water made the city an ideal location for such water-intensive industries as brewing, wood milling, tanning, meat packing and farming.  Thus, water has always been central to the livelihood of its people. Milwaukee’s new global water leadership is returning to its roots. Now considered a vanguard in sustainable urban food production, Milwaukee is exploring sustainable economic models as to how effective water management and aquaculture intersect, as well as creating water efficiency and stewardship standards.