MWRD FLOW - April 2025
In this edition:
Upcoming Events
MWRD Board of Commissioners March meetings
Thursday, April 3 and 17, 10:30 a.m.
The MWRD Board of Commissioners will hold its Regular Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 3 and Thursday, April 17.
Public comments may be made at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie Street, Chicago, during the Public Comment period.
An "In Progress" link under the Video Column will be active when there is a meeting in session. Closed captioning is available.
Monthly Virtual Tour set for Wednesday, April 16 at 2 p.m.
Embark on a captivating virtual tour with the MWRD.
Have you ever wondered what happens to the water after it goes down the drain? Follow the flow with the MWRD on a virtual tour of our wastewater treatment process on Wednesday, April 16 at 2 p.m.!
Join us for an inside look at how we protect our waterways, reduce pollution, and even turn waste into renewable resources—all from the comfort of your home! Whether you're a student, an environmental enthusiast, or just looking for a unique adventure, this tour is packed with fascinating science and sustainable solutions.
Sign up today and get a fresh perspective on water reclamation!
MWRD to dedicate disinfection facility at O'Brien WRP in honor of Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, former President and Commissioner, on April 25
On Friday, April 25 at 11 a.m., the MWRD will dedicate the disinfection facility at the O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant, 3500 Howard St., Skokie, in honor of Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, former President and Commissioner.
Commissioner Spyropoulos concluded her 15-year tenure with the MWRD in November 2024, following her election as Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
R.S.V.P. by emailing forea@mwrd.org or calling 312-751-6626.
Monitoring and Research Monthly Seminar set for Friday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m.
“Biological Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment compared to Traditional Activated Sludge Secondary Treatment during Wet Weather Flows.”
On Friday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m., Steve Baytos, Water Reclamation Facility Manager, City of Akron, OH and Mike Starkey, P.E., Burgess & Niple, will discuss “Biological Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment compared to Traditional Activated Sludge Secondary Treatment during Wet Weather Flows.”
In person: Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, Lue-Hing R&D Complex, 6001 West Pershing Rd., Cicero, IL. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance by emailing Dr. Heng Zhang at zhangH@mwrd.org or call (708) 588-4264 or (708) 588-4059.
Virtual: Go to Seminars and Presentations on January 31 for the link to access the seminar.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Heng Zhang, Assistant Director of Monitoring and Research, at (708) 588-4264 or (708) 588-4059.
The seminar is eligible for Professional Development Credits/CEUs.
Save the Dates:
Tour the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant at an open house on Saturday, May 10
The MWRD will host an open house and tours at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, 400 E. 130th Street, Chicago in conjunction with Chicago Water Week on Saturday, May 10, from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. Stop by without advanced reservations to learn how we are recovering resources and transforming water.
All ages are welcome. Please wear closed-toe shoes.
MWRD to host Asian American and Pacific Islander Month event on May 22
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, at noon – 1 p.m., the MWRD will celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month in the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie Street, Chicago.
The featured speaker is Ernest C. Wong, founder and principal of Site Design Group. Ernest has been instrumental in the evolution of the firm as a multi-cultural cutting-edge design entity and fostering the landscape architecture profession in Chicago. In managing the firm for 35 years, Wong and Site Design Group have established a reputation for creative design solutions, and developing thoughtful, community-oriented urban spaces.
A strong proponent of civic and community engagement, he sits on the board of numerous service organizations and professional juries including the Driehaus Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design, City Parks Alliance, and as the Chair of the Chicago Landmarks Commission. In 2021, Ernest was awarded the ASLA Community Service Award and the Daniel H. Burnham Distinguished Service Award from the Lambda Alpha International Land Economics Society Ely Chapter.
Open House and Tour at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant set for Saturday, August 2
Join us for an open house and tour of the world's largest wastewater treatment facility on Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Stickney WRP is located at 6001 W. Pershing, Cicero, IL. Please dress for an industrial environment; wear closed toe shoes and pants.
MWRD's 2025 Small Business Summit scheduled for September 9
MWRD in the News
Permeable Paver Commuter Parking Lot unveiled at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens
A ribbon-cutting event for the permeable paver commuter parking lot at the Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, 7402 W. Lake Katherine Dr., Palos Heights, was held on March 25.
The MWRD contributed $184,000 towards the $1.13 million project that included the installation of permeable pavers and bioswales at the Nature Center.
The project is designed to capture 120,000 gallons of stormwater each time it rains, helping to mitigate flooding in the area and demonstrating the benefits of green infrastructure to neighbors and visitors.
MWRD celebrates Women's History Month
The MWRD shined a spotlight on trailblazing women making an impact in cybersecurity, public safety, and health-conscious innovation at its annual Women’s History Month celebration held on March 27 at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building.
The lunchtime event, “Women Protecting Women: Strategies for Personal and Internet Security,” highlighted the expertise and dedication of women who are making a difference in cybersecurity, personal safety, and health-conscious product innovation.
Attendees heard expert insights from Birute Sonta and Divya Rijal on protecting personal data online, learned about personal care from the Duggan Sisters, and gained valuable safety strategies from Officer Marilyn Cruz.
The honorees received awards for their contributions to their respective fields and their commitment to protecting and empowering others.
MWRD Executive Director Brian A. Perkovich announces his retirement
After a distinguished career spanning over 30 years, MWRD executive director Brian A. Perkovich announced his retirement effective March 31, leaving behind a legacy of service, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
Brian led the MWRD through the pandemic and has been instrumental in advancing the MWRD’s mission to protect the region’s water environment, launching an ambitious five-year Strategic Plan to expand its goals, vision and values. Under his leadership, the MWRD implemented numerous initiatives to enhance water quality, expand green infrastructure, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and modernize wastewater treatment facilities to meet evolving environmental challenges.
The MWRD Board of Commissioners will oversee the transition process and announce plans for new leadership in the coming weeks.
National Honor Society students from Wendell Phillips Academy High School recognized by MWRD Commissioners, tour Calumet Water Reclamation Plant
The MWRD Board of Commissioners and staff welcomed National Honor Society (NHS) students from Wendell Phillips Academy High School for a special recognition ceremony in the Board room and educational tour on March 20. NHS is a prestigious organization that recognizes and encourages students’ academic achievement, leadership, service and character.
MWRD Commissioner Yumeka Brown planned the visits to highlight the students' academic achievements and introduce them to the essential work of the MWRD in protecting the region’s water supply.
Students had the opportunity to engage with policymakers and professionals in the environmental and water management sectors. This educational exchange followed a visit to the school in February in which MWRD staff presented on the work of the MWRD to treat wastewater, protect water resources and manage stormwater.
MWRD Commissioner Yumeka Brown hosts Youth Environmental Summit to educate and inspire future water leaders
In an effort to broaden students' awareness and understanding of water and environmental sciences, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Commissioner Yumeka Brown and fellow commissioners launched a Youth Environmental Science (YES) program on March 22 at CICS Prairie, 11530 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL.
Students from Burnham Elementary, CICS Prairie, and Pullman—schools in Commissioner Brown’s childhood neighborhood of Roseland/Pullman—were invited to participate in the inaugural event. Student ambassadors from Wendell Phillips High School provided program support.
MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, and MWRD President Kari K. Steele’s representative John Joiner joined Commissioner Brown in speaking to students. Other featured presenters included Lolita Thompson, Principal Civil Engineer, MWRD; Treana Johnson, Director, Urban Transformation, Metro Farm; Hannah Henderson, Program Manager, Current; and Amy Baldwin, community partner.
MWRD Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood honored at Rich Township Women’s Appreciation Event
Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan honored MWRD Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood at the third annual Rich Township Women’s Appreciation event held March 20 at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park. This event celebrated the contributions of influential women in Illinois, acknowledging their leadership in government, business, education, and community service.
Commissioner McElroy Kirkwood was honored for her impact and commitment to community service and the water environment. She was appointed by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to fill a vacant seat on the MWRD Board in December 2024. Her extensive background in municipal operations and community service allows her to contribute meaningfully to the MWRD’s mission of treating wastewater, managing stormwater and protecting Chicago-area waterways.
Since 2019, Commissioner McElroy Kirkwood has been serving a six-year term on the Moraine Valley Community College Board of Trustees where she serves as Board Chair. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Benedictine University and is certified as an English as a Second Language teacher.
MWRD receives WaterSense partner certificate
The MWRD recently received our annual reporting certificate from the USEPA's WaterSense program. The MWRD actively promotes water conservation through education, outreach, and community initiatives. We participate in Fix a Leak Week, encouraging residents to repair household leaks to prevent water waste. Additionally, we support a rain barrel program, green infrastructure projects, and public awareness campaigns to help protect our precious water resources.
Resources
Sign up for Overflow Action Alert text messages
Sign up to receive Overflow Action Alert text messages. When we announce an Overflow Action Alert, you will be reminded to reduce your use of water before, during and after a storm to help prevent excess water from entering local sewers.
Join Our Team!
Are you seeking a new job?
If so, visit our online employment center to register, apply and learn more about jobs and the selection process at the MWRD. We also participate in job fairs throughout the county so stop by our table if you are in attendance! Staff in a variety of job classifications were interviewed to discuss their background and work that they do. The videos can be found on the MWRD YouTube page.
Keep medications out of our water environment
Medications, whether they are prescribed or not, can end up in waterways. This includes pet medications too!
These drugs can pass through our water reclamation plants (WRPs) and enter rivers and streams. This can harm fish, plant life and our waterways. Controlling what goes down the drain is an easy and effective way to protect the environment.
How you can help
You can help keep medications from entering our waterways by disposing of unwanted medicine properly. Never flush unused medications down the drain or toss expired medicines in the garbage.
- Take unused and expired medications to Cook County Prescription Drug Take Back Network locations.
- For over-the-counter products, monitor your supply. Store them in one spot in your home to avoid accidentally buying extras. Never flush them down the toilet and never sell them to others.
The MWRD is proud to play a role in collecting unwanted medicine and keeping our drains medicines free. Our boxes are located near the entrances at the Stickney, Calumet and O'Brien WRPs and in the lobby of the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building in Chicago. Do not leave medication outside the box. If a box is locked, please return during hours of operation or visit another location.
MWRD drug collection box locations
What is the key to pollution prevention when it comes to are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade fluorinated compounds that are designed to be stable and have been in commercial use since the 1940s. The stability of the chemicals makes them difficult to degrade which is why they are often called “forever chemicals.” PFAS are in commercial, consumer, and industrial products and and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that they are widely present in the environment; nonstick cookware, cosmetics, sunscreens, washing clothes, and fire-fighting foams can introduce PFAS into the environment.
Like other water utilities across the U.S., the MWRD is addressing how best to manage PFAS in the water environment. The MWRD’s seven water reclamation plants (WRPs) do not produce nor use PFAS but are passive receivers of these chemicals discharged to local sewers. As a result, wastewater can contain trace amounts of these chemicals from industrial, commercial and household sources. The MWRD’s WRPs were not designed to remove these chemicals during the treatment process.
The key to pollution prevention is addressing the source of PFAS.
The MWRD is closely following and proceeding based on the developing science on the potential impacts of PFAS. The MWRD is also working to identify and reduce industrial discharges of PFAS, learning how the discharge from these sources can be reduced and encouraging federal and state regulators to focus on stopping these chemicals at the source. The MWRD’s pretreatment program regulates industrial discharges to protect the treatment process and valuable resources the MWRD recovers.
Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Dispose of your household chemicals responsibly and recycle your old computers.
The public may drop them off at the City of Chicago's permanent Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility at 1150 N. North Branch Street (two blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway at Division Street).
Household chemicals and computers often contain hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), which can contaminate our air, soil, and water. Through proper disposal methods or recycling, these hazardous substances are reprocessed and reused in an environmentally-responsible manner.
The Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility accepts a range of items, including household cleaners, oil-based paints, solvents, cell phones, compact fluorescent light bulbs, computers, and related equipment, to name a few. It does not accept business/commercial sector wastes, explosives, fireworks or latex paint.
During business hours, an attendant will help unload your vehicle and accept your materials. Materials should not be left outside the facility unattended. Scheduled business hours are:
- Tuesdays 7 am - Noon
- Thursdays 2 pm - 7 pm
- The first Saturday of every month 8 am - 3 pm
Doing Business with the MWRD
New! Watch a video on how to submit a responsive bid or proposal!
The MWRD Department of Procurement and Materials Management procures materials and services required for operations in compliance with the MWRD Purchasing Act. The mission of the Diversity Section is to ensure that minority owned (MBE), women owned (WBE), small (SBE), and veteran owned (VBE) business enterprises are given equal opportunities to participate in the MWRD’s construction program and professional service contracts in excess of $100,000.
Our procurement process is designed to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars, so we encourage you to register to become a vendor. Sign up for a weekly email listing new contract announcements by emailing forea@mwrd.org.
Please report waterway blockages, suspicious dumping to waterways or sewers, or odors.
Call 800-332-DUMP (3867) or in Spanish 855-323-4801
Tips to prepare your home for excess rainwater
Read our "Green Neighbor Guide"
Some actions can be as simple as not over-fertilizing your lawn and garden, installing a rain barrel or planting a native tree. No matter what you choose, the MWRD "Green Neighbor Guide" focuses on stormwater management projects that you can install on your property.
Detailed instructions are offered for disconnecting downspouts; installing rain barrels or cisterns to capture stormwater for reuse; installing dry wells and rain gardens to allow stormwater to filter into the ground; and replacing asphalt and concrete surfaces with permeable paving to reduce stormwater runoff.
Discounted rain barrels currently available
For a limited time, MWRD rain barrels are available to residents of Cook County at a discounted price of $21.50 and $10.75 for seniors 65 and older. Limit two per residence.
Rain barrels capture rainwater from your roof and save it for later use. Rain barrels can help prevent basement backups, street flooding and sewer overflows by keeping rainwater out of the sewer system.
You can use rain barrel water to water your lawn or garden and clean your work boots, tools and bikes.
Rain barrels can hold up to 55 gallons. The overflow opening lets you connect a hose to direct overflow away from your foundation or to connect several rain barrels. Our rain barrels:
- Are made from durable high-density polyethylene.
- Come in four colors (black, blue, terra cotta and gray) and may have different shapes depending on the vendor.
- Include instructions, a leaf and mosquito filter screen, a flexible downspout connector, a spigot/tap, and an overflow hose.
- Free delivery.
Tour an MWRD facility
Each year, our seven water reclamation plants process approximately 450 billion gallons of wastewater. With a daily treatment capacity exceeding 2 billion gallons, the MWRD plays a critical role in protecting our region’s water quality. Learn more about the work of the MWRD on our YouTube channel, watch a virtual tour, or schedule an in-person group tour.
Schedule a speaker
MWRD staff are eager to share information about our work and to provide residents of all ages with information and resources they can use to help reduce flooding and improve water quality.
The MWRD offers in-person and virtual presentations for all ages on subjects such as:
- Overview of the MWRD
- Careers in water
- History of water in the Chicago region, including reversing the Chicago River
- How sewers work
- Explanation of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan
- How wastewater treatment works
- Recovering resources from wastewater
- Stormwater management flood control
- Role of Green infrastructure
- What you can do to protect water quality and reduce flooding
Please contact us to schedule a speaker for your group or class at least three weeks in advance.
Request a community event representative
The MWRD actively engages with communities across Cook County throughout the year, participating in events such as back-to-school fairs, environmental expos, farmers markets, municipal gatherings, career days, and STEM-related activities. Our representatives provide engaging materials and interactive activities designed for all ages, offering insights into our work, areas of responsibility, and practical tips on how to enhance local water quality.
Extras
Historical Photo of the Month
A view of the Chicago River and the DuSable Bridge in July 1923.
April 2025 Calendar
Canoers paddle up the North Shore Channel just north of River Park in Chicago.
