MWRD FLOW - September 2026
For the Love of Water (FLOW) is the MWRD's monthly news summary.
In this edition:
Upcoming Events
MWRD Board of Commissioners to meet September 3 and 17 at 10:30 a.m.
The MWRD Board of Commissioners will hold its Regular Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 3 and Thursday, September 17.
Public comments may be made at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie Street, Chicago, during the Public Comment period. Visit mwrd.org to watch the meeting online. Click on "Board of Commissioners" in the upper right corner, then click on Board calendar. 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 September 8 at 2 p.m.
Village of South Holland, MWRD to cut ribbon on Thorn Ditch Flood Mitigation Project on September 15
President Kari K. Steele and Commissioners will join officials from the Village of South Holland and Cook County on September 15 for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the Thorn Ditch Flood Mitigation Project at Maicach Park, 921 E. 165th St., South Holland.
Culverts along Thorn Ditch were replaced and stormwater storage was constructed at Maicach Park and Pioneer Park. The $5.8 million project is partially funded through the Stormwater Partnership Program with additional support from the county. The final design included 11.8 acre-feet of stormwater storage at the ponds, tantamount to more than 3.8 million gallons of storage.
IMPACT Small Business Summit set for September 24
Join the MWRD for the 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit on Thursday, September 24 at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. The event lasts from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Designed for small businesses, entrepreneurs, contractors, consultants, and suppliers, the IMPACT Small Business Summit brings together the people, resources, and opportunities that help businesses grow. Whether you are an existing MWRD vendor, pursuing your first government contract, or looking to expand your professional network, this event provides direct access to decision-makers, industry leaders, and business development resources. With more than 55 exhibitors, including assist agencies, sister agencies, prime contractors, and prime consultants, attendees will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, discover new opportunities, and gain valuable insight into public-sector and private-sector contracting.
Monitoring and Research Seminar set for September 25
On Friday, September 25 at 10:30 a.m., Landon Reigelman, Biosolids Lead, Resource Recovery, Wastewater Treatment Division, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Seattle, WA, will discuss "The Loop Biosolids Program: Five Decades of Beneficial Use in King County, Washington."
Register to attend in person by emailing MnRSeminars@mwrd.org or calling (708) 588-4264. Visit Seminars and Presentations on September 25 for the seminar link.
Cal-Sag Channel Watershed Planning Council meeting set for September 30
The Cal-Sag Channel Watershed Planning Council Meeting is set for Wednesday, September 30 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 14700 South Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL.
Held quarterly, these meetings offer an opportunity to learn about ongoing MWRD projects in the watershed, proposed revisions to the Watershed Management Ordinance, maintenance activities under the Small Streams Maintenance Program, and updates on local stormwater issues from partner agencies.
SAVE THE DATE: 14th Annual Sustainability Summit is October 22
Save the date for the 14th Annual Sustainability Summit to be held on October 22 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Town of Cicero Community Center, 4936 W. 23rd St., Cicero, IL.
This annual event will showcase innovative strategies, projects, and partnerships that protect water resources, reduce flooding, and promote sustainability throughout Cook County. Attendees will hear from leaders in the field, discover community initiatives, and connect with others working to build resilient, healthy neighborhoods.
MWRD in the News
MWRD seeking volunteers for Community Partnership Council
The MWRD is accepting applications for the 2026-2028 Community Partnership Council (CPC). The next CPC will expand beyond the previous councils at the Calumet and Stickney Water Reclamation Plants to include representation from across all of Cook County.
Members of the general public are invited to participate in a two-year cohort that meets quarterly during standard business hours at various locations throughout Cook County. Each session lasts approximately two hours, and participants are asked to attend at least six of the eight meetings. Applications are available through the MWRD CPC page, and the opportunity is promoted districtwide to ensure broad, diverse participation.
MWRD hosts legislators for facility tours
The group saw firsthand how the MWRD manages wastewater, protects waterways, and builds critical stormwater infrastructure serving communities across Cook County. The visit also provided a forum to discuss local flooding concerns, ongoing construction at key facilities, and the partnerships and programs the MWRD uses to support municipalities, improve water quality, and strengthen regional resilience. MWRD facility tours are open to the public and a tour can be requested by visiting this link.
Representative Mary Gill (35th), Representative Theresa Mah (24th), Representative Mike Crawford (31st), and staff from Representative Norma Hernandez (77th) joined MWRD President Kari K. Steele, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn and Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood in visiting the MWRD's Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, the Mainstream Pumping Station, and the McCook Reservoir on August 5. The group had the opportunity to see first-hand how the MWRD manages wastewater, protects waterways, and builds critical stormwater infrastructure that serves communities across Cook County.
Ribbon-cutting held on new permeable parking lot in River Grove
MWRD President Kari K. Steele, Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood and Commissioner Sharon Waller joined Village of River Grove Mayor David B. Guerin and trustees for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 20 to celebrate the completion of the new green permeable parking lot at 2621 N. Thatcher Ave., River Grove.
The project replaced an impervious lot with permeable pavers designed to reduce local flooding and demonstrate the benefits of green infrastructure.
Resources
Rain barrels for sale
Discounted rain barrel pricing is in effect. Cook County residents may purchase up to two rain barrels for $22.30 each, including tax and delivery. Barrels are $11.15 each for residents age 65 and older.
Rain barrels are available to residents of Cook County through the MWRD website. Rain barrels capture rainwater from your roof for later use. They 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.
- Include instructions, a leaf and mosquito filter screen, a flexible downspout connector, a spigot/tap and an overflow hose.
- Includes free delivery.
Flood Response Resource Guide
MWRD's new guide that provides practical steps for residents to follow before, during and after a flood is available at mwrd.org, and hard copies are available by emailing public.affairs@mwrd.org. What to Do and Where to Get Help: Flood Response Resource Guide provides practical steps for residents to follow before, during and after a flood. It also lists key agencies, local resources and contact information to help those impacted recover more quickly. This tool is designed to make it easier for residents to find reliable information when they need it most.
Sign up for Overflow Action Day Alert text messages
Join Our Team!
Are you looking for a new career?
If so, visit our online employment center to register, apply and learn more about jobs and the selection process. We also participate in job fairs, 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. These videos can be found on the MWRD YouTube page.
Stormwater partnerships available for local government
The MWRD can help local government organizations pay for the construction of stormwater infrastructure on public property in Cook County.
The program funds projects that address flooding through a variety of traditional engineering solutions including localized detention, upsizing critical storm sewers and culverts, pumping stations, establishing drainage ways and green infrastructure. This infrastructure can reduce flooding and prevent damage to homes and businesses.
Throughout the year, the MWRD reviews applications and prioritizes projects for partnerships. The selected partner is responsible for project design, contract advertisement and award, acquiring necessary property rights, construction and long-term maintenance. There are four partnership programs offered on a regular basis.
Stormwater Central: MWRD releases an online portal to document and map stormwater management storage progress
A new hub for mapping data and insight into the work of the MWRD Stormwater Management Program is live and accessible to the public.
Available at this link, the new site provides a window into the MWRD's stormwater management work in building resilience across Cook County. The interactive portal serves as an integrated hub for mapping data, project information and insights into how the MWRD is working to reduce flooding and manage stormwater across Cook County.
The hub includes the Stormwater Project and Data Explorer, which maps data on past and ongoing MWRD stormwater management projects. Visitors can learn more about projects occurring in their communities or across Cook County, assess stormwater volume capture, review MWRD goals and track progress as projects are implemented across watersheds.
Since 2004, the MWRD has served as the regional authority for stormwater management in Cook County. In just over a decade since receiving local authority in 2014, the MWRD has completed more than 230 projects that protect more than 17,000 homes, businesses and other buildings from flooding.
Local governments and public agencies in Cook County can apply to the MWRD for help funding stormwater projects. The portal documents this growing map of projects after years of meticulous data management. Additional data is available upon request.
Keep medications out of our water!
Medications can end up in waterways. This includes pet medications too.
These drugs can pass through our water reclamation plants 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
- 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 and store them in one spot to avoid accidentally buying extras.
The MWRD is proud to play a role in collecting unwanted medicine and keeping our drains medicine free. Collection 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 a box. If a box is locked, 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 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade fluorinated compounds designed to be stable and used commercially since the 1940s. Their stability makes them difficult to degrade, which is why they are often called "forever chemicals." PFAS are in commercial, consumer and industrial products; nonstick cookware, cosmetics, sunscreens, washing clothes and firefighting foams can introduce PFAS into the environment.
Like other water utilities across the United States, the MWRD is addressing how best to manage PFAS in the water environment. The MWRD's seven water reclamation plants do not produce or use PFAS but are passive receivers of these chemicals after they are discharged to local sewers. Wastewater can contain trace amounts from industrial, commercial and household sources, and MWRD facilities were not designed to remove these chemicals during treatment.
The key to pollution prevention is addressing the source of PFAS.
The MWRD is closely following developing science on the potential impacts of PFAS. It is working to identify and reduce industrial discharges of PFAS and encouraging federal and state regulators to stop 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 Collections
Dispose of your household chemicals responsibly and recycle your old computers.
- Tuesdays, 7 a.m.-Noon
- Thursdays, 2 p.m.-7 p.m.
- The first Saturday of every month, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Household Hazardous Waste may be dropped 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, which can contaminate our air, soil and water. Through proper disposal or recycling, these hazardous substances are reprocessed and reused in an environmentally responsible manner.
The Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility accepts household cleaners, oil-based paints, solvents, cell phones, compact fluorescent light bulbs, computers and related equipment. It does not accept business or commercial wastes, explosives, fireworks or latex paint.
During business hours, an attendant will unload your vehicle and accept your materials. Materials should not be left outside the facility unattended.
Coming soon! South Suburban College, 15800 State St., South Holland, will be the site of a new permanent HHW facility. Read more.
Doing Business with the MWRD
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, women-owned, small and veteran-owned business enterprises are given equal opportunities to participate in MWRD construction and professional service contracts exceeding $100,000.
Our procurement process is designed to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars. Register to become a vendor, and 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 water
Read our "Green Neighbor Guide"
It's never too soon to work on projects that can make your home more resilient to stormwater.
Some actions can be as simple as not over-fertilizing your lawn and garden, installing a rain barrel or planting a native tree. The MWRD "Green Neighbor Guide" provides instructions for stormwater management projects you can install on your property, including disconnecting downspouts, installing rain barrels or cisterns, installing dry wells and rain gardens, and replacing asphalt and concrete with permeable paving.
Watch our YouTube video to see how a rain barrel is installed.
Oak sapling program opens for 10th season
Our complimentary Restore the Canopy oak sapling program is back for the 10th year. Bur, pin, red and swamp white oak saplings are available at our water reclamation plants on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon through October.
If more than 50 potted saplings are desired, delivery is available, or park districts, residents and municipalities can schedule a pickup time.
The saplings come in one-gallon pots or can be requested as bare roots in bags of 100. Bare-root saplings should be planted within a few days for premium viability.
Since the program began in 2016, the MWRD has distributed more than 100,000 free native trees.
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 on our YouTube channel, watch a virtual tour or schedule an in-person group tour.
Schedule a speaker
The MWRD offers in-person and virtual presentations for all ages on subjects including the MWRD, careers in water, Chicago water history, how sewers work, the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, wastewater treatment, recovering resources, stormwater management, green infrastructure and protecting water quality.
Please request a speaker for your group or class at least three weeks in advance.
Request a community event representative
The MWRD connects with residents across Cook County at back-to-school celebrations, environmental expos, farmers markets, municipal events, career days and more.
At every stop, our team brings hands-on activities and educational materials for all ages, inviting visitors to explore how we protect waterways, manage essential infrastructure and champion a cleaner, healthier environment. We also share everyday tips that help residents improve local water quality at home and in their neighborhoods.
Green infrastructure resource guide for local government leaders available
The MWRD has created a "Green Infrastructure Community Guide" to help communities manage stormwater through green infrastructure techniques that use natural solutions to mitigate flooding and improve water quality. The guide equips municipal leaders, planners, public works directors, engineers, staff and other decision-makers with information, resources and guidance for incorporating green infrastructure into their communities.
What's the difference between the MWRD and Chicago Department of Water Management?
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD)
The MWRD is a regional independent government agency responsible for treating wastewater and managing stormwater for Chicago and 128 municipalities. It is governed by a nine-member Board of Commissioners, each elected countywide in Cook County. Its key functions include:
- Treating wastewater from households, businesses and industries.
- Operating water reclamation plants and large intercepting sewers.
- Providing large-scale stormwater and flood-control services, including the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan.
- Partnering with Cook County communities on stormwater and green infrastructure projects.
- Managing waterways and protecting regional water quality.
The MWRD does not provide drinking water.
City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM)
The DWM is a municipal department of the City of Chicago focused on drinking water delivery and sewer and stormwater services within Chicago. A commissioner appointed by the Mayor of Chicago leads the department.
Extras
MWRD Historical Photo
The east leaf of the 22nd St. (now Cermak Rd.) bridge over the South Branch of the Chicago River in the raised position during construction on June 7, 1906. The bridge was built by the Sanitary District of Chicago (now MWRD) in 1905 and 1906 and underwent renovations in 1997 by the City of Chicago.
September 2026 Calendar
Colonies of algae support wastewater treatment processes by absorbing phosphorus, nitrogen and other nutrients.
