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Waukesha County Flooding - August 2025

Waukesha County Declared State of Emergency

Waukesha County Flooding - August 2025

Waukesha County Emergency Declaration Flooding Aid Disaster Assistance.gov Small Business Administration - Disaster Assistance Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)

Wisconsin's Presidential Approval for Individual Assistance

 

On September 11, 2025, at 7:48 pm, the Evers Administration received official notice that the Trump Administration had approved Gov. Tony Evers' request for a major disaster declaration for counties impacted by recent storms and flooding throughout six Wisconsin counties, including Waukesha County.

Governor Ever's Full Press Release

What this means

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 800-621-FEMA (3362).

Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or other similar service, can give FEMA the number for that service.

How to Apply

When applying for assistance, make sure:

  • You upload your documents online by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Your damaged home is your primary residence.
  • You haven’t received financial assistance for the same losses from another source, including insurance.
  • FEMA can reach you through the contact information you provide in the application.

What information you need to provide when applying:

  • Your contact information, including email address.
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
  • Your social security number.
  • A general list of damage and losses.
  • Banking information, if you choose direct deposit.
  • If insured, your policy number or the agent and/or company name.

For help with your application or to apply by phone, call the FEMA Helpline:

  • 1‑800‑621‑3362
  • If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you may appeal:

For more information on the disaster assistance process, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or visit the site’s Frequently Asked Questions page at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/faqs.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Disaster Assistance

As a result of the President's major disaster declaration on September 11, 2025, applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal or other locally announced locations. 

For further assistance, please email the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by phone at 1-800-659-2955.

Application Deadlines: 

  • Physical Damage Loan Application: November 10, 2025.
    • Home and Personal Property Loans
    • Business Physical Disaster Loans
  • Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan Application: June 11, 2026.

Homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations, and businesses of all sizes are eligible to apply for physical disaster assistance.

Eligibility

If you live in a declared disaster area and have experienced damage to your home or personal property, you may be eligible for financial assistance from SBA — even if you do not own a business. As a homeowner, renter, or personal property owner, you may apply to SBA for a loan to help you recover from a disaster.

  • Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
  • Renters and homeowners may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property — such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances — damaged or destroyed in a disaster.
  • Secondary homes or vacation properties are not eligible for these loans. However, qualified rental properties may be eligible for assistance under SBA's business physical disaster loan program.
  • These loans cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance or other sources. Proceeds from insurance coverage on home or property may be deducted from the eligible loan amount.

Use of proceeds

  • You may not use the funds to upgrade homes or make additions, unless required by the local building code.
  • You may be eligible for up to a 20% loan amount increase above the real estate damage, as verified by SBA, for improvements that will help prevent risk of future property damage.
  • SBA can refinance all or part of a previous mortgage in some cases, when the applicant does not have credit available elsewhere and has suffered substantial disaster damage.

MORE INFORMATION

If you own a business located in a declared disaster area that has experienced damage, you may be eligible for financial assistance from SBA. Businesses of any size and most private non-profit organizations may apply to SBA for a loan to recover after a disaster.

Eligibility

  • Up to $2 million to qualified businesses or most private nonprofit organizations to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance.
  • Covers disaster losses not fully covered by insurance or other sources. If required to apply insurance proceeds to an outstanding mortgage on the damaged property, that amount can be included in your disaster loan application.
  • Proceeds from insurance coverage on business property may be deducted from the eligible loan amount.

Use of proceeds

Loan proceeds may be used for the repair or replacement of the following:

  • Real property
  • Machinery
  • Equipment
  • Fixtures
  • Inventory
  • Leasehold improvements

Disaster loan funds may not be used to upgrade or expand a business, except as required by building codes. If you apply for mitigation assistance to make improvements that help reduce the risk of future property damage, you may be eligible for up to a 20% loan amount increase above the real estate damage, as verified by SBA.

MORE INFORMATION

Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations located in a declared disaster area and which have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

If you have suffered substantial economic injury and are one of the following types of businesses located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for an SBA EIDL:

  • Small business
  • Small agricultural cooperative
  • Most private nonprofit organizations

Eligibility

  • Substantial economic injury means the business is unable to meet its financial obligations and pay its regular and necessary operating expenses
  • Loss of expected profits or a decline in sales is not considered substantial economic injury
  • EIDL provides the necessary working capital to help small businesses impacted by a disaster survive until normal operations resume
  • EIDL assistance is available only to small businesses when SBA determines they are unable to obtain credit elsewhere
  • Businesses must meet the following criteria to qualify for economic injury:
    • The business was directly impacted by the disaster
    • The business cannot cover expenses due to the disaster and/or debt payments
    • The business was physically located in the declared disaster area

SBA can provide loans to help cover the costs and expenses that your business would have been able to handle if the disaster did not happen. The EIDL amount will depend on how much financial impact you have experienced and your company’s financial needs, even if you didn't suffer any property damage.

A separate SBA Disaster Assistance program known as business physical disaster loans covers property damage. A business may qualify for both an EIDL and a physical disaster loan. The maximum combined loan amount is $2 million. 

Use of proceeds

  • Working capital and normal expenses such as the continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments
  • EIDL funds cannot be used for expanding facilities, buying fixed assets, repairing physical damages, refinancing debt, paying out dividends or bonuses, or paying back loans to stockholders or principals.

MORE INFORMATION

Waukesha County Flooding - August 2025

Waukesha County recently experienced severe flooding in several areas following intense rainfall on August 9th and 10th. Our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has coordinated a comprehensive response with local municipalities, public safety agencies, and public works teams.

Clean-Up Resources Available

With coordination from Southeast Wisconsin Community Organizations Active in Disasters (SEWI COAD), resources are available for individuals and families affected by recent flooding events. If you are in need of the following resources, please call 211 to be connected to the appropriate provider of that resource. 

Resources available: 

  • Clean up/Muck out kits
  • Cleanup Assistance Teams
  • Comfort Dog Teams
For Assistance:
  • Non-Emergency Help: Residents in need of assistance can call 211 for information on resources.
  • Call 211 to report any damages to your property or surrounding areas.
  • Note: 211 may not work with all phone systems. They can also be reached at 877-947-2211.
  • 911: Please only call 911 if it’s a life-threatening emergency.

 

Communication and Updates:

Waukesha County is committed to keeping residents informed through official channels. We encourage the community to monitor our social media platforms and website for ongoing updates.

 

Municipal Resources

The City of Waukesha has a dedicated page on their website to provide updates on the impacts of flooding and information on waste pickup and disposal. 
https://www.waukesha-wi.gov/residents/public_safety/flooding_event_updates.php

The City of Brookfield has a dedicated page on their website to provide updates on the impacts of flooding and information on waste pickup and disposal. 
https://www.ci.brookfield.wi.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2406

The Village of Menomonee Falls has a dedicated page on their website to provide updates on the impacts of flooding and information on waste pickup and disposal. 
https://www.menomonee-falls.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1713

The Village of Elm Grove has a dedicated page on their website to provide updates on the impacts of flooding and information on waste pickup and disposal. 
https://elmgrovewi.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1105

The City of New Berlin has a dedicated page on their website to provide updates on the impacts of flooding and information on waste pickup and disposal. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/ApM6Vpy 

New Berlin is also utilizing their Facebook page to provide updates on the impacts of flooding and information on waste pickup and disposal.
https://www.facebook.com/cityofnewberlinemergencymanagement/

The City of Muskego is utilizing their Facebook page to provide updates on the impacts of flooding and information on waste pickup and disposal.
https://www.facebook.com/MuskegoWisconsin/

Additional Information:

City of Muskego – Emergency Order
https://www.muskego.wi.gov/_T15_R74.php

Landfill Drop off
https://www.muskego.wi.gov/_T15_R75.php

City of Muskego – Bulk Pick up to Start up on August 18.
https://www.muskego.wi.gov/_T15_R76.php

The Village of Merton will be offering free bulk pickup for flood damaged personal property this Friday and next Friday.  Items should be placed at the curb in the same location as their regular garbage pick up

The Village of Merton is utilizing their Facebook page to provide updates on the impacts of flooding and information on waste pickup and disposal.
https://www.facebook.com/VillageOfMerton/

The Village of Butler is utilizing their Facebook page to provide updates on the impacts of flooding and information on waste pickup and disposal.
https://www.facebook.com/villagebutler/

Residents should call John’s Disposal for a Bulk Waste Pick Up at 262-473-4700.
Village website: https://www.nashotah-wi.gov/

The Village of Lisbon is not offering any special debris pickups.

However, branches, trees, brush, logs, can be dropped of at the Village's compost site. It's open Saturdays from 9am to 4pm and Mondays 4pm to 8pm. Residents will need to have a compost site pass in order to use the compost site, which can be obtained from the Village hall.  

Village website: https://lisbonwi.gov/

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Safety Tips & Resources

Families with lower income may qualify for cash assistance through the DCF Emergency Assistance program

Additionally, below are a few other state agency resources that may be beneficial:

FoodShare Replacement Benefits

Insurance and Flooding

PRIVATE WELL-OWNERS

If you’re unsure if your well has been impacted by flooding, you should assume it’s been contaminated. 

Signs that a well may be affected by a flood include: 
Floodwaters that came into contact or ran over the top of a well.
Noticeable changes in the taste, smell, or color of the water.

Use safe water for drinking, food preparation, and personal hygiene until your well water is tested and found to be free of bacteria. Safe water is:

1) Bottled water

2) Tap water that has been boiled for one minute

3) Water from an uncontaminated well

To ensure safety, test private well water for bacteria. Test kits are available through Waukesha County’s Environmental Health Division.

Get Well Water Tested: Order a test kit here: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/.../private-well-water.../


MUNICIPAL WATER USERS:

Contact your local water utility regarding water safety concerns; follow any instructions provided.

Run water faucets for at least five minutes before using water for drinking or food preparation.

 

Always wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected before preparing or eating food and after using a toilet, participating in flood clean-up activities, and handling articles contaminated with flood water or sewage.

Keep open cuts or sores that have been exposed to flood water clean by washing the affected area with soap to control the infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.

Baby formula:

  • Use only prepared, canned baby formula that requires no added water.

Food not in waterproof containers:

  • Discard if they have come into contact with floodwater.

Canned foods:

  • Discard if damaged.
  • Undamaged, commercially canned foods can be saved if you remove the can labels, wash cans, disinfect with one cup bleach to five gallons of water. Relabel cans, including expiration date, with a marker.

Screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop bottles), twist caps, flip tops, and home canned foods:

  • Discard if they have come into contact with floodwater.

Refrigerated or frozen food:

  • Check food for spoilage by their odor and appearance.
  • Perishable foods left at room temperature for more than two hours should be thrown out.
  • Frozen food that has thawed should be thrown out

  • Take items that were wet for two or more days outside. Items that are wet for two days have mold growing on them even if you can’t see it.
  • Take out things made of cloth, unless you can wash them in hot water. Also remove items that can’t be cleaned easily like leather, paper, wood, and carpet.
  • Use bleach to clean mold off hard things like floors, stoves, sinks, certain toys, countertops, flatware, plates, and tools.
  • Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, it can create a toxic gas.
  • Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask rated for protection from mold spores.
  • Open windows and doors to get fresh air in while you use bleach.
  • Mix no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water.
  • Wash the item with the bleach and water.
  • If the surface of the item is rough, scrub the surface with a stiff brush.
  • Rinse the item with clean water.
  • Dry the item or leave it out to dry.

Additional Resources:

 

 

 

Floods | Ready.gov (FEMA)

Flood Safety Tips and Resources (National Weather Service)

Flooding | Waukesha County

If you're feeling overwhelmed by flood damage, you’re not alone. The Disaster Distress Helpline offers 24/7 free, confidential, multilingual emotional support to help you get through challenging times.
Call or text 800-985-5990

For Assistance:
• Non-Emergency Help: Residents in need of assistance can call 211 for information on resources.
• Call 211 to report any damages to your property or surrounding areas.
• 911: Please only call 911 if it’s a life-threatening emergency.

Avoid Floodwaters

Never walk or drive through flooded areas. Remember: "Turn Around, Don’t Drown."

Even small amounts of water can be dangerous.

Stay Informed

Monitor local news, social media, and official channels for real-time updates on flood conditions and evacuation orders.

Electrical Safety

Avoid contact with electrical appliances or outlets if they are wet or if you're standing in water. Turn off the power at the main breaker if possible.

Gas Leaks

If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, leave your building immediately and call 911 from a safe location.

All Waukesha County Parks remain OPEN, but some areas may be impacted. The Park Alerts webpage is being actively updated with the latest info: 

August 2025 Flooding News Items

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