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.

Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) Levels

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The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) is designed to reduce flooding, improve water quality in Chicago area waterways and protect Lake Michigan from pollution caused by sewer overflows.

Street flooding and basement backups can still occur even when there is plenty of room in TARP. If small neighborhood sewers don’t have the capacity to carry water to the MWRD’s intercepting sewers or TARP tunnels, they may back up.

If TARP is full, neighborhood sewers are designed to overflow to waterways.

Learn more about the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan See a live view of McCook Reservoir

Stormwater Partnerships

Local governments and public agencies can apply for funding to build or design stormwater projects.

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.

What You Should Do During Flooding

During flooding you should find the source of the water, notify your municipality, and use FEMA’s guidance for documenting damage and safe clean up.

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

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Join Our Team

Blue Island Public Library Green Roof

Where Does IT Go?

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Virtual Tour

Recent News Releases

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.

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Projects

LeMoyne Street and Maypole Avenue Underground Storage Projects | MWRD

The MWRD and Chicago Department of Water Management are partnering on two projects on the West Side of Chicago to build underground storage tanks that can contain a combined 1.7 million gallons of stormwater to mitigate local flooding.

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.

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