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Flooding in Wauwatosa - August 2025

There has been significant flooding in Wauwatosa in August 2025. Learn more about response and recovery.
Post Date:08/10/2025 10:28 AM

Last Updated: 10/24/2025, 2:15 p.m.

Our thoughts are with all residents, business owners, and visitors who were impacted by the recent flood event. The City of Wauwatosa is committed to supporting our community as recovery continues. We encourage you to take action where you can. Check in on a neighbor, lend a hand, or join the neighbor-led clean-up efforts already underway.

FEMA Assistance Available for Individuals

Residents and business owners of Wauwatosa who were impacted by flooding in August 2025 may be eligible for federal disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Individual Assistance is available to help with costs that insurance does not cover, such as temporary housing, home repairs, cleaning and sanitizing, or limited replacement of personal property.

To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov.

Report Damage and Request Resources

Property owners are encouraged to report damage to the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management through 211 or the online damage report form. Please call 211 if you are an older adult or have functional or access needs and require help with flooding cleanup or remediation. 

There may be local assistance available to property owners:

  1. Homeowners may be eligible for assistance with flood-related repairs to your home. You must income qualify. Learn more: wauwatosa.net/homerepair.
  2. Small business owners may be eligible for up to $15,000 in forgivable loan assistance for improvements like plumbing and electrical fixtures, HVAC systems, and flooring. Learn more and apply by emailing economicdevelopment@wauwatosa.net or calling (414) 479-3520.

Hart Park Reopening Timeline

  • The Muellner Building reopened to the Senior Center on October 13, 2025. Please know there will be ongoing work in the building for the next several months. This includes elevator repair and some HVAC work.
  • Portions of Hart Park reopened with unsafe areas clearly fenced off.
  • 70th Street has reopened as a way to access the park. 72nd will be closed to traffic.
  • The pedestrian bridge from the Farmer’s Market to Hart Park reopened on Thursday, August 21.
  • The Wauwatosa Curling Club is expected to start creating ice in October.
  • The Rotary Stage and grassy areas will be accessible; however, large events and rentals at both the Rotary Stage and Muellner Building will not be accommodated in the coming months. Rental availability will vary based on the space. Please call in advance.

Many have asked how they can help restore this beloved community space. First, thank you for your interest in supporting the city's flood recovery. If you feel inclined, you can make a donation online. Your donation will help us restore and recover community spaces impacted by the August 2025 flooding event.

City response:

  • Between August 9 and August 10, our Dispatch Center received more than 350 calls for service. During that same time, the Wauwatosa Fire Department responded to 123 service calls.
  • Approximately 70 people, along with numerous pets, were rescued from floodwaters, including two rescues from the Menomonee River.
  • Our Public Works crews have already collected about 1,006 tons of residential flood debris from over 1,500 properties, totaling 1,973 trips. These numbers will continue to be updated as additional damage assessments are completed.
  • We currently estimate $4.2 million in flood damage to city-owned public property, including Hart Park. We are working with the city’s insurance provider on claims related to public property. Even with insurance and private donations, the City will still face approximately $2 million in unfunded recovery costs.

Please help share the following safety reminders:

  • Do NOT play in or wade through standing water. Floodwater may contain sewage.
  • Only call 911 for life-threatening situations or emergencies requiring immediate police, fire, or EMS response.
  • Do not drive through standing water. Even a few inches can stall your car or cause you to lose control.
  • If you need to leave your home, consider preparing a FEMA “go bag” with essential supplies: FEMA Go Bag Checklist
  •  Sign up for the City of Wauwatosa emergency text alerts.
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