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.

Aerial view of a channel of water, a bridge and Lake Michigan with a large decorative religious temple visible

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The Freedom of Information Act provides the public access to a government agency's records.

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 Storm Update

August 17, 2025

Before severe storms, the MWRD lowers the level of the Chicago Area Waterway System as staff work around the clock managing the excess water.

MWRD issues update on Tunnel and Reservoir Plan

August 15, 2025

TARP is complete and fully operational except for the McCook Reservoir Stage 2 (McCook Stage 2).

"Chicago’s ‘Quantum Prairie’ Promises New Era of Great Lakes Technology and Water Use," Great Lakes Now

August 14, 2025

If plans proceed as anticipated, as early as 2027 a 440-acre property on Lake Shore Drive will be transformed into the first industrial park in the country to focus on developing quantum computing.

"From gray to green: Across Chicago, dozens of concrete schoolyards transformed into community hubs and flooding solutions," Chicago Tribune

August 13, 2025

In 2014, Chicago-based Healthy Schools Campaign, a national nonprofit that works to ensure schools can provide students with healthy environments, nutritious food, health services and opportunities for physical activity — transformed playgrounds at Grissom and three other schools.

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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