The City of New Berlin has been impacted by historic rainfall. Our community has faced an extraordinary challenge, and our hearts are with everyone affected. We are grateful to our first responders, public works crews, all city staff, and good samaritans who have worked tirelessly, day and night, to keep New Berlin safe. This page is your central source for flood-related updates, including response efforts, road closures, safety guidance, and changes to city services. This page will be updated regularly as conditions change, and/or new information or resources become available. You can also stay informed by following the City of New Berlin on Facebook and visiting our website for the latest updates. We'll continue to update this page, so please check back often.

Connect With Us: (262) 786-8610

If you were impacted by the August 9 - 12 severe storms, straight line winds, flooding, or mudslides in Southeast Wisconsin, the Small Business Administration is offering Disaster Loans to help with recovery. This includes Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties for physical damage. It also includes surrounding counties for economic injury purposes only.

Physical damage application deadline is November 12, 2025.

Economic injury deadline is June 11, 2026.

Learn more and apply directly through SBA here:

https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/?disaster=WI-20004

This is a federal program. If you were affected, do not wait. These programs have strict deadlines and once they close, they close.

Now (Immediate Response):

• Safety checks, debris management, and urgent needs.
• Public Works crews are actively performing cleanup, repairing roads, culverts, and washouts caused by the storm.
• Flood cleanup and damage reporting.
• Residents in need of basic services should call 211.
• Residents needing flood cleanup assistance should call 833-747-1234 Ext. 3 for Samaritan’s Purse volunteer help (cleanup, debris removal, sanitizing, temporary repairs).
• For debris pickup questions, contact the Mayor’s Office. The city is in daily contact with John’s Disposal, which has committed significant manpower and resources to flood recovery.

Next (Ongoing Coordination):

• Documenting damages across the city.
• Reviewing reports submitted through 211. In some cases where properties were significantly impacted, City staff may contact residents to schedule follow-up inspections. Not all properties will require an on-site visit, but every report is being reviewed.
• Coordinating with Waukesha County, Wisconsin Emergency Management, and FEMA.
• Providing timely updates as assistance options become clearer.

Long Term (Recovery & Resilience):

• Pursuing every potential public and individual assistance program.
• Securing funding for infrastructure and community recovery.

Please note: Recovery will take time. If financial assistance becomes available, there is no guarantee every resident will qualify, and the process will take time. The city will continue to pursue every possible avenue and share updates as soon as information is confirmed.

Waukesha County has activated Impact 2-1-1 to assist residents impacted by flooding. We encourage anyone in need of flood resources to call 2-1-1, and we also ask residents to report any home damage through this service. Residents are encouraged to contact 2-1-1 to report their flood damage. This helps the City understand the extent of the damage.

You can reach Impact 2-1-1 by simply dialing 211 on your phone or by calling toll-free at 1-866-211-3380. The information collected will be critical for damage assessment and for seeking state and federal assistance. You can also report your damage by clicking this link.



For life-threatening emergencies, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Event Concluded

Thank you for joining us on September 11, 2025.

Flood Recovery Update – Garbage & Bulk Item Collection

Thank you for your patience as our management team shifts operations to divert all available resources to customers with significant flood damage. We are finalizing our plans and messaging for residents, and want to share the following important updates.

1. Regular Automated Garbage & Recycling Collection

• No delays are expected for regular automated collection.
• Routes may take longer, and volumes will be higher than usual.
• Trucks will continue to tip carts only.
• Please do not cover or surround carts with loose debris that requires manual collection.

2. Bulk Item Pickup

• We are asking residents to delay non-essential bulk pickups until after we have worked through heavily impacted areas.
• Some bulk pickups scheduled for this week may be canceled so resources can be redirected where they are needed most.
• Bulk pickup is intended for essential flood-related items only (e.g., carpet, padding, limited drywall)—not for large remodeling projects.
• Homes requiring more than 5–10 minutes of loading should consider renting a temporary dumpster.
• Preparation Guidelines:
• Carpet: Roll into 4-foot sections, tie bundles, and keep each bundle under 50 lbs.
• Other materials (except furniture): Contained in 32-gallon containers or plastic bags, each under 50 lbs.
• No loose debris will be collected at this time.

3. Resident Drop-off Option at Recycling Center located at 3711 S. Casper Drive

• This is intended for non-hazardous flood-damaged items.
• Recycling Center is open on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM to 4 PM.

4. Curbside Flood Debris Collection

• Please limit the amount of materials placed at the curb to essential flood-damaged items (see Bulk Pickup guidelines above).

5. Scheduling

• To schedule a bulk pickup, call Johns Disposal at (262) 473-4700 or email office@johnsdisposal.com. If you have trouble reaching them due to high call volume, please contact Maya, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, at (262) 797-2441, and she will assist you.
• For less urgent issues (e.g., carts put out late or missed), please email our office for a reply.
• We anticipate high call volumes and will need additional time to respond.
• Local landfill operators have agreed to extend hours to give drivers more time for collections.

With an estimated 70,000 homes were impacted within the storm radius, your cooperation is essential in helping crews work as efficiently as possible. Thank you for doing your part to keep recovery moving quickly for everyone in New Berlin.

Click on the images below to view in a larger format.

Frequently Asked Questions for Property Owners After a Disaster

Overview of Wisconsin Disaster Assistance Process

🚨 Red Cross Assistance Available for Wisconsin Flood Victims 🚨

If you’ve been impacted by the August 2025 floods, the American Red Cross is here to help. They can assist with: 

🏠 Safe shelter 🍽️ Access to food 🩺 Basic health services 💬 Emotional support



📞Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for assistance.  You're not alone — help is available. ❤️

Link: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief/flood-relief/wisconsin-floods-financial-assistance.html

The New Berlin Public Library is open and ready to help you stay cool and get your devices charged.

If your without electricity or just need a break from the heat, stop in to cool off, recharge, and maybe grab a good book while you're here.

FREE Flood Recovery Assistance Available for the Elderly and Disabled Individuals

If your home was affected by the recent flooding, Samaritan’s Purse volunteers may be able to help

— at no cost — with:

• Carrying personal belongings & furniture to the curb
• Flood cleanup
• Sanitizing with Shockwave treatment
• Temporary roof tarping
• Tree/debris cleanup

Call 833-747-1234 Ext. 3 to speak with a Samaritan’s Purse representative and request assistance.

Local Base: Elmbrook Church, 777 S Barker Road, Brookfield, WI 53045

Services are free. Requests are prioritized by need and volunteer availability.

Let’s spread the word — if you know someone who could use this help, please share this post with them.

If you have a neighbor that needs help or does not have Internet access please consider giving them a hand or sharing this information.

For volunteer opportunities, call 414-850-7055.

Note: The City has no affiliation with Elmbrook Church or Samaritan's Purse. We are sharing this information as another resource that may be available to residents.

Mental health matters - especially during flood recovery! Floods can take a toll on more than just our homes - they can deeply impact our emotional well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Please use the links below. You're not alone - support is here for you!

Emergency Management has released several updates regarding the ongoing floods, including current conditions, safety instructions, and available resources. Click the buttons below to read each update from the Emergency Management team.

Alert: Flood Recovery Contractors

Reports have been conveyed that homeowners are being told they “must” make expensive upgrades because of the 50% Rule.

This rule only applies to Structures in FEMA floodplains.

• Sewer backup damage does not trigger the 50% rule.
• The City determines whether you’re property triggers the 50% rule, NOT a contractor.

Always confirm with the Department of Community Development to determine whether your property is in a floodplain or not and what improvements or repairs can be made to a floodplain structure. Please call: 262-797-2445.

You can also visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center website to see the floodplain. This site allows you to search for your address and display it on the Floodplain Map. https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home

What the 50% Rule Means

The 50% Rule is a FEMA requirement tied to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

*** If a building located within a FEMA-designated floodplain is “substantially damaged” or “substantially improved” (meaning the cost of repairs or improvements equals or exceeds 50% of the structure’s pre-damage market value), then:

1) The building must be brought into compliance with current floodplain management regulations.

2) That usually means elevating the structure, using flood-resistant materials, or making other flood mitigation upgrades.

Thank you for taking the time to read this special issue of New Berlin News. We’re grateful to share these updates and resources with you, and we hope they help you stay safe, informed, and supported. Together, we’ll get through this — because that’s what neighbors do.

If you are experiencing an emergency, please contact 9-1-1.

If you have general questions, please contact the City of New Berlin at (262) 786-8610.