Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Learn more at mwrd.org.

☎️ Report waterway concerns: 800-332-3867. The MWRD’s corporate boundaries are located within Cook County, Illinois.

Protecting public health and the environment by providing wastewater treatment for Chicago and 128 suburban communities and serving as Cook County’s Stormwater Management Authority. We serve an area of 883 square miles which includes the City of Chicago and 125 suburban communities, including 5.25 million people plus a commercial and industrial equivalent of 4.5 million people. The MWRD's 554 mile

s of intercepting sewers and force mains range in size from 12 inches to 27 feet in diameter, and are fed by approximately 10,000 local sewer system connections. The MWRD’s Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) is one of the country’s largest public works projects for pollution and flood control. Four tunnel systems total 109 miles of tunnels, 9 to 33 feet in diameter and 150 to 300 feet underground. Two reservoirs are in operation and they hold more than 8 millions gallons of water, and construction is progressing on the remaining 10 billion gallon reservoir. The MWRD owns and operates one of the world’s largest water reclamation plants, the Stickney WRP, in addition to six other plants and 23 pumping stations. The MWRD treats an average of 1.4 billion gallons of wastewater each day. The MWRD's total wastewater treatment capacity is over 2 billion gallons per day. The MWRD controls 76.1 miles of navigable waterways, which are part of the inland waterway system connecting the Great Lakes with the Gulf of Mexico. It also owns and operates 30 stormwater detention reservoirs to provide regional stormwater flood damage reduction. The MWRD owns approximately 9,500 acres of property in Cook County for its operations. In conjunction with its biosolids beneficial utilization and farm land application program, MWRD recycles all biosolids in land application programs in northeast Illinois.

📷 A view inside of the bypass channel on the South Branch of the Chicago River, looking north from Van Buren Street, on ...
08/29/2026

📷 A view inside of the bypass channel on the South Branch of the Chicago River, looking north from Van Buren Street, on April 6, 1900. The Sanitary District (now MWRD) developed a plan in 1895 to increase the capacity of the South Branch of the Chicago River in order to convey the necessary flow of water for the soon-to-open Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The MWRD deepened and widened the waterway by dredging and replacing docks and bridges, and where bridge replacement was not feasible (roughly between Van Buren and Adams Streets) the MWRD built a by-pass channel.

📣 Join us at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, to learn the history of the Chicago Area Waterway System ⬇️
https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and River Grove officials unveiled a new green parking...
08/28/2026

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and River Grove officials unveiled a new green parking lot at River Grove Village Hall designed to help manage stormwater, reduce flooding and improve water quality amid a summer of heavy rains.

MWRD President Kari K. Steele, MWRD Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood and MWRD Commissioner Sharon Waller joined Village President David B. Guerin, River Grove Trustee Benjamin Ramirez and Leyden Township Supervisor Rocco D. Biscaglio other village officials and the community for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the environmentally sustainable project, at 2621 N. Thatcher Ave. in River Grove.

The new parking lot was developed through the MWRD’s Green Infrastructure Partnership Program, which invites communities to propose innovative ways to manage stormwater. River Grove was one of 15 communities selected in 2025 to participate in the annual program.

The project transformed a previously impervious parking lot into a green infrastructure system featuring permeable pavers that allow more rainwater to move through the surface and into layers beneath the parking lot, where stormwater can be captured and managed.

In addition to the parking lot, the Village of River Grove has completed 39 green alleys, including 10 that were part of MWRD-funded green infrastructure projects.

The new parking lot represents an important step as the Chicago area continues to experience periods of significant rainfall. The region received nearly twice its average rainfall in April and eclipsed average monthly rainfall totals throughout summer months.

The green infrastructure project also connects an existing roof drainpipe to the new permeable surface, directing stormwater from the Village Hall roof into the system.

The initiative also helps improve area water quality by reducing stormwater runoff and helping limit pollutants carried into nearby waterways, including the Des Plaines River. The river has a history of overtopping its banks and contributing to flooding in River Grove and surrounding communities.

The new parking lot is designed to manage nearly 100,000 gallons of stormwater annually, equivalent to approximately 2,500 standard bathtubs. By incorporating green infrastructure into a municipal property, the project demonstrates how communities can use innovative approaches to manage stormwater while improving local water quality and creating more sustainable public spaces.

MWRD.org/News: https://mwrd.org/news/mwrd-and-river-grove-showcase-new-green-parking-lot-village-hall

Learn more at MWRD.org/Stormwater/Partnerships

The MWRD was proud to join the 20th Community Expo featuring the 36th Annual Music and Arts Explosion at The Montessori ...
08/28/2026

The MWRD was proud to join the 20th Community Expo featuring the 36th Annual Music and Arts Explosion at The Montessori School of Englewood on Aug. 22. 🦋

We connected with families, shared information about protecting our water environment and offered resources on rain barrels, free seeds, careers at MWRD and more. Thanks to the Monarch Awards Foundation, Inc. for bringing the community together!

MWRD.org

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.-Xi Nu Omega Chapter

📷 A view of the Des Plaines River Treatment Works facility, viewed to the west on September 24, 1924. The facility was a...
08/28/2026

📷 A view of the Des Plaines River Treatment Works facility, viewed to the west on September 24, 1924. The facility was an early treatment plant built by the Sanitary District of Chicago (now MWRD) and located to the southeast of the intersection of Roosevelt Road and First Avenue in Forest Park. Construction of the plant began over a year before the MWRD began construction of the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, but it was only in operation until 1931, serving as a testing location for various treatment processes.

📣 Join us at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, to learn the history of wastewater treatment in Cook County, Illinois ⬇️
https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours

Residents, business owners, organizations and community leaders are invited to apply to serve on a special council with ...
08/27/2026

Residents, business owners, organizations and community leaders are invited to apply to serve on a special council with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) to help protect and enhance their local water environment.

Applications are open at mwrd.org/cpc to participate in the MWRD’s 2026–2028 Community Partnership Council (CPC), which will bring together participants from communities throughout Cook County. The CPC will provide residents with opportunities to learn about current MWRD programs, projects and priorities; share perspectives on community needs; collaborate on outreach strategies and partnerships; and help shape initiatives supporting environmental stewardship, equity and engagement in their respective communities and throughout Cook County.

The 2026–2028 CPC is set to build on the work of previous Community Partnership Councils at the Calumet and Stickney water reclamation plants by expanding involvement to communities throughout Cook County. The goal is to provide participants with meaningful opportunities to connect with the MWRD and help inform the agency’s outreach and community engagement efforts.

The two-year cohort will meet quarterly during standard business hours at various locations throughout Cook County. Each session is expected to last approximately two hours, and participants will be asked to attend at least six of the eight planned meetings.

Residents and representatives of businesses and organizations interested in joining the CPC will be able to apply through the MWRD’s CPC page. The MWRD is seeking broad and diverse participation to ensure that a wide range of perspectives and communities are represented.

Learn more:
https://mwrd.org/news/mwrd-seeks-participants-community-partnership-council

A new class curriculum created by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and City College...
08/27/2026

A new class curriculum created by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and City Colleges of Chicago introduces a new generation of students to careers in wastewater treatment.

The course known as “Clean Water Smart Solutions” begins Sept. 8 and runs on Tuesdays from 4-8 p.m. through Oct. 13. Students will learn the fundamentals of wastewater treatment at Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett Ave., Chicago. It is part of an effort by the MWRD to expand its workforce and make learning opportunities more accessible for careers in water. The MWRD and retired employees have worked with City Colleges of Chicago to develop curriculum that can lead to certificate programs and educational paths related to water treatment and technologies.

“Training the future generations is essential because we know that managing our water systems and wastewater treatment facilities will forever require the skills of talented workers,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “We thank City College of Chicago, our retirees and Environmental Justice Section for launching this program and inspiring future careers for the people who rely on our service and call our communities home.”

MWRD staff serves as members of the US Water Alliances' Workforce Taskforce, partnering for the last couple of years to advance issues related to Water Workforce Development. Retired MWRD scientists and engineers have helped to develop courses and teach them. The first cohort completed the certificate program at Olive-Harvey College on the South Side, and a two-year degree option is currently being developed at Truman College on the North Side.

“City Colleges of Chicago is excited to partner with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to build a pathway into essential, high-demand careers in wastewater treatment. With this course, taught by industry expertise, we are equipping our communities with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue critical careers that strengthen our city and protect our environment,” said Wilbur Wright College President Andrés A. Oroz. “We are grateful to MWRD for working with us to prepare a workforce that will sustain our region's water infrastructure for the generations to come.”

The Clean Water Smart Solutions course at Wilbur Wright College offers a comprehensive exploration of modern wastewater treatment systems, focusing on the science, engineering and operations that ensure safe and effective water sanitation. Through real-world applications and case studies, students are taught critical insight into each stage of wastewater treatment. Designed for professionals entering or advancing in environmental services careers, public utilities or municipal engineering, the course emphasizes environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance and operational safety in wastewater management. To learn more, visit City Colleges of Chicago website.

“This collaboration demonstrates how education and a utility can come together to meet critical workforce needs,” said Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood. “By offering accessible, high-quality training, we’re preparing students for meaningful careers that protect public health and strengthen our region.”

For more information, visit www.ccc.edu or call 773-COLLEGE.

Learn more at MWRD.org/News:
https://mwrd.org/news/making-wastewater-treatment-careers-accessible-mwrd-and-retirees-join-city-colleges-launch-new-curriculum

📷 Construction of a section of 16-inch sewer in an unknown location on March 22, 1930. 📣 Join us at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, S...
08/27/2026

📷 Construction of a section of 16-inch sewer in an unknown location on March 22, 1930.

📣 Join us at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, to learn the history of wastewater treatment in Cook County, Illinois ⬇️
https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours

ICYMI Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is seeking volunteers to join the Commun...
08/26/2026

ICYMI Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is seeking volunteers to join the Community Partnership Council for 2026–2028.

Flossmoor is in MWRD’s service area. Homewood is served by Thorn Creek Basin Sanitary District.

The council will help shape initiatives that support environmental stewardship, equity and engagement and enable members to be a voice for their communities.

Members will:
• Learn about current MWRD programs, priorities, and projects.
• Share perspective on community needs.
• Collaborate on outreach strategies and partnerships.

“As we continue our mission to protect public health and the environment, community insight remains essential,” the agency said in a social media post. “Your voice helps strengthen the connection between MWRD initiatives and the residents, businesses, and organizations we serve.”

The Community Partnership Council meets quarterly during standard business hours for a two-year cohort. Sessions are held at various locations throughout the Cook County. Each session lasts approximately two hours, and council members are asked to participate in at least six of the eight sessions.

The Community Partnership Council is designed to provide a space for the general public to learn and share ideas.

We encourage elected officials to attend Watershed Planning Council meetings to offer input on local stormwater needs and opportunities.

Anyone who is interested in joining the council for the 2026–2028 term, can apply here: https://mwrd.org/community-action/community-partnership-council.

More: https://mwrd.org/news/mwrd-seeks-participants-community-partnership-council-homewood-flossmoor-chronicle

🐶🩵 Happy ! Today we’re celebrating our furry friends and the simple steps we can all take to protect local waterways. 🌊...
08/26/2026

🐶🩵 Happy ! Today we’re celebrating our furry friends and the simple steps we can all take to protect local waterways. 🌊

It’s easy: capture rainwater in a rain barrel and capture pet waste in a bag.

Both help reduce pollution, prevent runoff from reaching our rivers and streams, and keep our neighborhoods cleaner for people and pets alike. 🐾

Learn more: https://mwrd.org/community-action/help-reduce-flooding-and-protect-water-quality

New contract opportunity!• Contract number 26-934-11: Furnishing and Delivering Magnesium ChlorideDetails: mwrd.app/Cntr...
08/26/2026

New contract opportunity!

• Contract number 26-934-11: Furnishing and Delivering Magnesium Chloride

Details: mwrd.app/Cntrctann

Learn more: mwrd.org/doing-business/procurement-and-materials-management

Address

100 E Erie Street
Chicago, IL
60611

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 11pm

Telephone

+13127516633

Website

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