UWM receives $1 million to advance drinking water studies

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) recently received a gift of $1 million from Kikkoman, Inc. to advance its studies concerning safe and sustainable drinking water. The money will be used to establish four Kikkoman "Healthy Waters" Environmental Health Laboratories in UWM's School of Freshwater sciences.

"When it comes to water, we have both a moral and an economic imperative," said Republican Governor Scott Walker, who attended the announcement of Kikkoman's donation.

Kikkoman, a Japan-based producer of soy sauce, has operated a plant in Walworth for the past 40 years. Walker said the investment indicates the company's commitment to the state.

"(We) really appreciate the commitment -- the ongoing commitment of Kikkoman -- to invest in this facility, and the people of this community, and of the state," Walker said.

UWM Chancellor Michael Lovell believes this donation is a sign that Milwaukee is being put on the map for water studies.

"I think it's just an indication that Milwaukee really is becoming an international water hub," Lovell said.