Many industries that first created jobs -- and a reputation -- for Milwaukee were closely connected to water. Breweries, for instance, relied on the area's supply of water for their operations. Some businesses and community leaders believe water also holds the key to the region's future. They want southeastern Wisconsin to become a global hub for the water technology industry.

The conversation surrounding the topic is heating up. But questions remain. For example, what investments would be needed to create a water technology hub here? Would the industry provide the kind of jobs that the region needs? Could other cities beat us to the punch?

In December of 2009, the WUWM Newsroom and Lake Effect journalists explored what it takes to develop a global hub for water technology in southeastern Wisconsin in the Project Milwaukee: The Currency of Water series.