 Water. Businesses need it to function, people and the planet need it to survive. RUW Milwaukee researchers are creating advanced technologies in sensors, filters and materials to ensure cleaner, safer drinking water and less water waste. As one of America's top research universities, we're at the forefront of this effort. In 2010, the college helped launch the Water Equipment and Policy Center, or WEP, which is creating game-changing technology and policy. WEP is an industry university cooperative research center sponsored by the National Science Foundation and industrial partners. With more than 150 water technology businesses nearby, UWM is a critical catalyst for water innovation to both the region and the nation. In the growing market for high-performance water sensors, our engineers are discovering low-cost ways to instantly detect pH and low levels of contaminants such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, copper, calcium, arsenic and phosphate. Identifying the contaminants isn't enough. UWM researchers are creating membranes and adsorbents to remove contaminants from drinking water and water discharged into the environment. We're also evaluating the impact of invasive species on Lake Michigan. Our engineers are developing computer models that simulate the lake's complex physical and biogeochemical processes. This data also helps regulatory agencies develop policy tools to reduce the impact of non-native species. UWM Milwaukee's engineering researchers are changing the world by helping to make clean water available at any time in a sustainable manner at a lower cost.