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 now for funding to build or design stormwater projects.

Overflow Action

You can help reduce basement backups and flooding by conserving water before, during and after rainstorms.

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.

A rain barrel on a wooden stand next to a house with a hose running to a tree

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.

An aerial view of the McCook Reservoir with a boat passing by on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) reservoir levels

Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, also known as TARP or “The Deep Tunnel,” is a system of deep, large diameter tunnels and vast reservoirs. TARP is designed to reduce flooding, improve water quality in Chicago area waterways and protect Lake Michigan from pollution caused by sewer overflows.

See water levels at the three TARP reservoirs

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

How Chicago Cleans 1.4 Billion Gallons Of Wastewater Every Day

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

"Letters: Let’s ensure Cook County and Chicago have clean, reliable water," Chicago Tribune

October 24, 2025

Here in Cook County, we have one of the most complex and historic water systems in the country. Much of it was built more than a century ago and has served generations of families and businesses.

Officials mark 125th anniversary of Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal with new initiative to rename critical waterway

October 24, 2025

Considered an engineering marvel that reversed the flow of the Chicago River and transformed the city’s destiny, water from the Chicago River officially flowed into the canal for the first time in January 1900.

MWRD sewer condition assessment and rehab will forge resilient communities throughout Cook County

October 23, 2025

The MWRD will analyze the most at-risk portion of the local sanitary sewer system to determine infiltration and inflow sources within the nine communities, which are considered disproportionately impacted areas.

Water professionals from around the world embrace Chicago during annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and conference (WEFTEC); MWRD hailed as a Leading Utility of the World

October 22, 2025

WEFTEC is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America and offers water quality professionals with education and training in both the private and public sectors as well as student scholars seeking careers in the industry.

View all news

Projects

Harvey Central Park Stormwater Detention Basin

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

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

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.

Mount Prospect Stormwater Projects

The MWRD worked with the village of Mount Prospect to transform two beautiful park spaces that can now accommodate more stormwater and protect the community from flooding, while also giving the residents a place to gather and play.

View more projects