News
MWRD Board of Commissioners to meet Thursday, October 1 at 10:30 a.m.
September 30, 2026
Board meetings are open to the public and can be streamed online.
MWRD Issues Overflow Action Alert
September 30, 2026
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has issued an Overflow Action Alert. Reduce your use of water during and after the storm to help prevent flooding and protect water quality:
Delay showers and baths
Flush less frequently
Wait to run the dishwasher or washing machine
Delay showers and baths
Flush less frequently
Wait to run the dishwasher or washing machine
Despite cancellation, Chicago River Swim and Big Jump highlight revitalization of the Chicago River
September 21, 2026
Although the Chicago River Swim was cancelled after a weekend of heavy rainfall and lightning, the annual event still raised critical funds for ALS research and swim lessons and introduced hundreds of jumpers to a revitalized Chicago River.
"Chicago weather: Heavy rains cancel river swim; McCook reservoir near capacity," Chicago Tribune
September 21, 2026
A perennially wet and at times stormy weekend fueled flooding concerns across the region and sparked the cancellation of one of Chicago’s newest and most unique fundraisers.
"Residents urged to limit water use across Chicago area during soaking storms," NBC 5 Chicago
September 19, 2026
“We encourage everyone to conserve water when possible to create more capacity in our systems," said MWRD President Kari K. Steele.
"$5.8 million Thorn Ditch flood mitigation project completed in South Holland," Lansing Journal
September 19, 2026
The MWRD, the Village of South Holland, and Cook County held a ribbon-cutting this past week at Maicach Park to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the Thorn Ditch Flood Mitigation Project. The effort was eight years in the making and will improve stormwater management and strengthen flood resilience along Thorn Ditch.