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.

Stormwater Partnerships

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

Blue Island Public Library Green Roof

The Blue Island Public Library green roof, an MWRD Green Infrastructure Partnership Program project, captures stormwater to reduce the risk of flooding and sewer backups in the Blue Island community.

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.

Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) Reservoir 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

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

An MWRD operations manager standing in front of an aeration tank

Join Our Team

Blue Island Public Library Green Roof

Where Does IT Go?

Aerial view of a boat pushing four barges full of material on a canal at sunset

Virtual Tour

Recent News Releases

"Deep Tunnel Reservoirs Nearly Full as Chicago Region Pounded With Rain Over Holiday Weekend," WTTW

July 6, 2026

Multiple rounds of heavy rain fell between July 2 and July 4, leading to flash flooding in streets and rising river levels across the greater Chicago region, with some municipalities reporting 8 to 10 inches of rain over the 48-hour period. According to the MWRD, its two largest Deep Tunnel reservoirs are nearly at capacity.

Sun Times, "Deep Tunnel has never reached its limit. After a weekend of heavy rains, it’s almost full"

July 6, 2026

The massive system of tunnels and reservoirs was built to contain Chicago’s flood water. After more than 8 inches of rain over the past 30 days, the system is nearing capacity.

MWRD Storm Report 11 AM

July 6, 2026

The MWRD is managing flow from this past weekend's storms

MWRD Storm Update

July 5, 2026

We know that many residents across our communities have experienced significant flooding during these recent waves of heavy rain. These weather events have been challenging, and our thoughts are with all who are dealing with the impacts.

View all news

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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