As climate challenges continue to reshape the environmental landscape, leaders from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) traveled to the state capitol recently to present their legislative priorities. These initiatives include sustainable strategies aimed at protecting and improving the water environment for communities across Cook County.

MWRD Commissioners and staff met with key Illinois state legislators, focusing on ways to strengthen the MWRD’s capacity to manage stormwater, advance wastewater treatment, and boost overall operational efficiency. The Board engaged in productive conversations with Governor JB Pritzker, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (7th District), Senate President Don Harmon (39th Dist.) Senate Minority Leader John F. Curran (41st District), House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (89th District), among others. The Illinois General Assembly created the MWRD in 1889 through an enabling Act that first authorized the then-Sanitary District of Chicago to reverse the flow of the Chicago River. 

The MWRD and members of the Illinois General Assembly meet each year to consider ways to amend the Act to help the MWRD address a changing climate and deal with new challenges in protecting the region’s water environment. This year, House Bill 1158, sponsored by state Rep. Kim Du Buclet (5th Dist.), former MWRD vice president and commissioner, would provide the MWRD with the financial flexibility needed to fund critical stormwater and wastewater projects that improve the quality of life throughout Cook County.

Another priority, House Bill 2391, sponsored by Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl (57th Dist.), focuses on water sustainability by incorporating industrial water reuse into the Environmental Protection Act. This initiative aims to promote conservation and reduce waste, reinforcing the MWRD’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

All MWRD bills successfully passed out of the Illinois House. 

“We are committed to advancing policies that not only protect the environment but also support the health and well-being of our communities,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “The MWRD is dedicated to working closely with lawmakers to ensure that critical water infrastructure projects are properly funded and supported, especially as we continue to address the challenges of climate change and urban growth.”

During the discussions, MWRD leaders highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the MWRD and local governments, emphasizing the importance of state-level support to accelerate progress. Legislators were also briefed on the MWRD’s efforts to enhance resilience to extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, which increasingly impacts the Chicago metropolitan area. 

Because of strong finances as indicated by a AAA rating from Fitch Ratings and AA+ rating from S&P’s Global Ratings, the MWRD can implement dozens of stormwater management projects on the north, west and south sides of Cook County. Since 2014 when the Illinois General Assembly authorized MWRD to partner on local stormwater management projects, the MWRD has invested in, worked on or completed more than 260 flood control projects benefiting more than 19,000 structures.

“As we look to the future, it is essential that we have the resources and legislative backing to address the growing water management challenges in our region,” said Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn. “We are grateful for the legislators’ time and attention and look forward to working together to ensure the continued success of the MWRD's initiatives that protect our environment and public health.”