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 for funding to build or design stormwater projects.

Blue Island Public Library Green Roof

The Blue Island Public Library green roof, an MWRD Green Infrastructure Partnership Program project, captures stormwater to reduce the risk of flooding and sewer backups in the Blue Island community.

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.

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

Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) reservoir levels

Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, also known as TARP or “The Deep Tunnel,” is a system of deep, large diameter tunnels and vast reservoirs. TARP is designed to reduce flooding, improve water quality in Chicago area waterways and protect Lake Michigan from pollution caused by sewer overflows.

See water levels at the three TARP reservoirs

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

Blue Island Public Library Green Roof

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

"How and why the flow of the Chicago River was reversed," NBC Chicago

January 15, 2026

How and why the flow of the Chicago River was reversed

"Durbin Meets With Metropolitan Water Reclamation District To Discuss Thornton Reservoir," Office of Senator Dick Durbin

January 14, 2026

During their meeting, Durbin and President Steele spoke about securing federal reimbursement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for construction of the reservoir.

"Durbin, MWRD seek to secure federal reimbursement for Thornton Reservoir construction," CBS News Chicago

January 14, 2026

The reservoir has a capacity of 7.9 billion gallons and is connected to Chicago's Deep Tunnel network to prevent flooding — both in the form of basement backups and in the form of overflow of the banks of Thorn Creek.

"Nearly a year after asphalt spill in Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, EPA criticized for leaving cleanup unfinished," Chicago Tribune

January 14, 2026

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which is now overseeing the site, observed asphalt in the canal and along the shoreline after the cleanup was reported complete, said IEPA spokesperson Kim Biggs in a statement last week.

View all news

Projects

Harvey Central Park Stormwater Detention Basin | MWRD

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 | MWRD

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 | MWRD

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 | MWRD

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