Program Overview

Introduction to the University Program

The university program is affiliated with the Water Council, a Milwaukee-based non-profit organization. The Water Council aims to establish the Milwaukee region as the World Water Hub for water research, economic development, and education.

Program Partnerships

The program is partnered with water industry companies under an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center focused on Water Equipment and Policy. The partner universities include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and Marquette University.

Industry Partners

The industry partners include:

• Badger Meter
• A.O. Smith
• MMSD
• Pentair

These industry members set research directions and fund projects in return for rights as prescribed by the NSF model.

Research Areas

The program focuses on water research, economic development, and education. The research areas include water equipment and policy.

Program Structure

The program is structured as an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. The center is focused on water equipment and policy, and it is partnered with water industry companies.

Program Benefits

The program benefits early-stage water companies through grant programs offered by the Water Council. These grant programs are supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Program Leadership

The program is led by Dean Amhaus and Junhong Chen. Dean Amhaus is associated with the Water I/U CRC UWM, and Junhong Chen is also involved in the program.