MWRD Commissioner Flynn

08/01/2026

This just in...all the details at 👉 districtjobs.org
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07/29/2026

It's a heavy lift! Qualifying details available on our website.

07/28/2026

And the hits keep on comin'! 50 year storms and 100 year storms happening in much shorter time frames!

MWRD managing excess water after severe storms hit Cook County

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is managing stormwater from a downpour that fell in a matter of a couple of hours on Monday afternoon. Despite a forecast of approximately one-half inch of rain, there was more than two inches of rain falling over two hours in pockets of Cook County.

According to the National Weather Service, Monday’s first round of storms had rainfall amounts ranging from 1.3 inches near O’Hare International Airport to almost three inches at Midway International Airport, and nearly three inches in central Cook County.

TARP’s two major reservoirs are filling and the current status is:
McCook Reservoir is approximately 56 percent full, storing nearly 2 billion gallons. McCook Reservoir serves central Chicago and 36 municipalities covering 252 square miles on the Des Plaines and Mainstream Tunnel Systems.
Thornton Reservoir is approximately 34 percent full, storing nearly 2.7 billion gallons Thornton Reservoir serves 91 square miles on the Calumet Tunnel System, covering the South Side of Chicago and 13 south suburban municipalities.

Before any major storm, the MWRD lowers the levels of the Chicago Area Waterway System by diverting more water at its Lockport Powerhouse to provide added capacity in local waterways. The MWRD urges area residents to conserve water during storms to provide more capacity in sewers and local infrastructure to take on the influx of rain. Residents are urged to sign up for Overflow Action alerts via text.

Applications are now open for municipalities and local government entities to partner with the MWRD on four stormwater management programs designed to mitigate community flooding throughout Cook County. More information can be found at mwrd.org/stormwater/partnerships.

Visit these links for more information about the MWRD, Stormwater Management, TARP and how to help reduce flooding and protect water quality.

https://mwrd.org/news/mwrd-managing-excess-water-after-severe-storms-hit-cook-county

07/16/2026

Fun evening with Librarian Sophie and friends making pollinator seed bombs at Oak Lawn Library! What a cool space on a hot summer night! We will be back. Rain barrel raffle went to Provencia to collect rain water for her garden.

07/15/2026

Good humans please. Make that, the best humans please apply! # meaningfulwork
All the details at districtjobs.org

07/14/2026

Get shredded, Sat July 25th, Orland Park! We will be in great company!

Join us for a community clean up day on Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Orland Square Mall (upper level by Texas de Brazil)! This event includes secure document shredding, prescription drug recycling and electronics drop-off.

- The electronics drop-off has a limit of 1 TV per household.
- Prescription drugs must be in their original containers and hypodermic needles and liquid medicines are not allowed.

Protect your identify, dispose safely and help keep our community healthy!

This event is brought to you by the Village of Orland Park, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Commissioners Commissioner Yumeka Brown and MWRD Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Vice President MWRD Commissioner Flynn, and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.

07/08/2026

We got the goods. Come visit!

07/05/2026

For live updates on MWRD reservoir capacity please go to MWRD landing page, scroll down. Please continue to conserve water during this harsh rainfall and days following to take pressure off the load on local sewer systems. Astounding number of gallons collected, historically unheard of - MWRD will have storm recap, info on how you can help as a homeowner, and an opportunity for municipalities to apply for stormwater partnerships.

If you are in the City, please call 311 to report flooding. If in the burbs, please call your municipality. Data matters for future projects.

mwrd.org 🎼💧☂️🌧️

Thornton TARP Reservoir
94% full
7.4 billion gallons
as of 11:36 a.m. 7/5/26

McCook TARP Reservoir
98% full
3.4 billion gallons
as of 11:30 a.m. 7/5/26

06/17/2026

And the hits keep comin'!

Overflow Action Alert

Heavy rain is expected in the Chicago area today. Reduce your use of water during and after the storm to help prevent flooding and protect water quality:

• Delay showers and baths
• Flush less frequently
• Wait to run the dishwasher or washing machine

Flooding and sewer backups can happen for a variety of reasons. To help prevent flooding inside or around your home, there are actions you and your family can take before and during rainfall.

Learn how to prepare for stormwater at this link: https://mwrd.org/community-action/you-can-help-prevent-flooding-and-protect-water-quality.

Learn more about Combined Sewer Overflow prevention here: https://mwrd.org/community-action/overflow-action

Sign up to receive Overflow Action Alerts via text
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/YhH2xGP/MWRDSignup

Learn what you should do during flooding:
https://mwrd.org/community-action/what-you-should-do-during-flooding

For more information and explanations about how the MWRD’s infrastructure and waterway system operate, visit these links:

Learn about the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP)
https://mwrd.org/what-we-do/tunnel-and-reservoir-plan-tarp

Understand how the Chicago Area Waterway System works
https://mwrd.org/what-we-do/reducing-flooding/chicago-area-waterway-system-caws

Learn about the types of sewer systems in Cook County
https://mwrd.org/community-action/understanding-your-sewer

Request a presentation for your community
https://mwrd.org/education/speakers-and-outreach

Tour our facilities
https://mwrd.org/education/tours

Municipal partners can explore stormwater partnership opportunities
https://mwrd.org/stormwater/partnerships

The top of the MWRD’s website displays a notification if an Overflow Action Alert is active. Visit mwrd.org.

Overflow Action Alerts are a joint initiative of the MWRD and Friends of the Chicago River