Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Recovering Resources, Transforming Water

Strategic Plan

Protecting Our Water Environment

Established in 1889, the MWRD is an award-winning, special purpose government agency responsible for treating wastewater and managing stormwater in Cook County, Illinois. We strive to be a responsive neighbor that engages with the public on several critical water-related issues that improve the quality of life for all.

Stormwater Partnerships

Local governments and public agencies can apply now for funding to build or design stormwater projects.

Overflow Action

You can help reduce basement backups and flooding by conserving water before, during and after rainstorms.

An aerial view of the McCook Reservoir with a boat passing by on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

TARP Reservoir Levels

See levels at Thornton, McCook, and Majewski TARP Reservoirs

A crane lifting a large chemical storage tank into position at a water treatment facility with the Chicago skyline visible in the distant background

Procurement and Materials Management

The Procurement and Materials Management Department issues many contracts during the year to purchase a wide range of materials, services and equipment for the MWRD.

A closeup view of cleaned water at a wastewater treatment plant

MWRD Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025

The MWRD's 2021 – 2025 Strategic Plan was developed by a multi-functional team of MWRD personnel and outside consultants to identify the strategic goals, strategies, and initiatives for the next five years.

See the MWRD Strategic Plan

Tow engineers discussing project plants with detailed documents on the wall

Join our team!

We are accepting applications now for a wide range of job categories.

Find out more

You can help prevent flooding and protect water quality!

Native Landscaping

Native landscaping can help reduce flooding, protect water quality and provide habitat for wildlife.

Rain Barrels

We have rain barrels for sale for a low price, delivery included. Rain barrels capture rainwater from your roof and save it for later use.

Green Infrastructure

Capturing stormwater where it falls through natural systems and permeable surfaces.

Medication Disposal

When not disposed of properly, pharmaceuticals can end up in waterways. You can help keep pharmaceuticals from entering our waterways by disposing of unwanted medicine properly at the locations listed on this page.

Videos

An MWRD operations manager standing in front of an aeration tank

Join Our Team

How Chicago Cleans 1.4 Billion Gallons Of Wastewater Every Day

Where Does IT Go?

Aerial view of a boat pushing four barges full of material on a canal at sunset

Virtual Tour

Recent News Releases

MWRD, Cook County and Palos Hills partners unveil Cal-Sag bike and walking path connecting visitors to waterways

August 27, 2025

The new trail extension will improve access and connectivity to the Cal-Sag Trail that runs alongside the Cal-Sag Channel.

“Black Women in Water: Making Waves, Changing Tides” panel celebrates leadership and representation at 2025 Black Women’s Expo

August 26, 2025

The event highlighted the leadership, expertise and lived experiences of Black women shaping the water industry and protecting communities across Cook County.

MWRD, city of Markham to celebrate completion of three green alleys

August 26, 2025

This collaborative project converted impervious alleys into eco-friendly, permeable surfaces designed to enhance stormwater management and resilience, demonstrating Markham’s commitment to sustainable urban design and climate-conscious stormwater solutions.

MWRD opens doors to Stickney Water Reclamation Plant and the critical work required to protect water environment

August 22, 2025

The MWRD held an open house at SWRP earlier this month, providing interactive demonstrations, presentations and tours of the facilities to educate all ages on the critical work that takes place each day to serve 2.2 million people living in central Chicago and 46 surrounding suburbs.

View all news

Projects

Harvey Central Park Stormwater Detention Basin

The MWRD's Harvey Central Park Stormwater Detention Basin project will provide flood relief for the city of Harvey. This project will reduce flooding to approximately 209 homes during a 100-year storm event.

Addison Creek Reservoir and Channel Improvements

The 600-acre-foot Addison Creek Reservoir will hold 195 million gallons of storage capacity and connect with the Addison Creek Channel to protect the communities from overbank flooding.

Robbins Heritage Park and Midlothian Creek Restoration Project

The MWRD’s Robbins Heritage Park and Midlothian Creek Restoration Project will help address overbank flooding through a new stormwater park and pond, along with improvements to Midlothian Creek and an overflow channel that connects to the Cal-Sag Channel.

Mount Prospect Stormwater Projects

The MWRD worked with the village of Mount Prospect to transform two beautiful park spaces that can now accommodate more stormwater and protect the community from flooding, while also giving the residents a place to gather and play.

View more projects