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is a city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 38,220 at the 2000 census. New Berlin is the third largest community in Waukesha County. The city was named for New Berlin, New York. There being five other New Berlins in the United States, New Berlin, Wisconsin is the largest New Berlin in population, beating the second largest, New Berlin, New York by 35,417 people.
New Berlin was largely developed in the 1960's and 70's, although it continues to see impressive growth. The city was incorporated in 1959 and grew as a result of white flight from the City of Milwaukee and the migration of rural Wisconsinites to Metropolitan Milwaukee. New Berlin contains several office parks and subdivisions. The city continues to attract new business and residents away from neighboring Milwaukee.
The city's explosive growth and relatively poor planning have lead to a growing water crisis. The westernmost part of the city receives its water from private wells tapping any of several local aquifers. Much of the central part of the city receives water from deep city wells which draw from a deep sandstone aquifer; this water supply has been dropping and is contaminated with the element radium. The easternmost part of the city receives Lake Michigan water from Milwaukee. The city has made several attempts to acquire additional water from Lake Michigan, although negotiations have failed and the city is currently seeking a new long term water source. The city has reached an agreement with the City of Milwaukee to expand their water purchases. This will provide safe drinking water for the city and will alleviate these concerns.
New Berlin continues to grow at a high rate. Interstate 43 is being expanded at the Moorland Road exit in order to accommodate a growing number of commuters from the suburb. The new interchange featuring a two-lane roundabout is expected to enhance the strong business climate in the city and to help develop the neighborhood into one of the region's busiest business centers.