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.

President Steele presents at the City Club of Chicago

President Steele Addresses the City Club of Chicago

President Kari K. Steele delivered the keynote address at the City Club of Chicago on September 12, 2024, engaging the audience on the critical role of the MWRD in protecting area water quality.

Aerial view of a channel of water, a bridge and Lake Michigan with a large decorative religious temple visible

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The Freedom of Information Act provides the public access to a government agency's records.

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 MWRD.

A closeup view of cleaned water at a wastewater treatment plant

MWRD Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025

The MWRD's 2021 – 2025 Strategic Plan was developed by a multi-functional team of MWRD personnel and outside consultants to identify the strategic goals, strategies, and initiatives for the next five years.

See the MWRD Strategic Plan

Applications for Stormwater Partnerships are Now Open

Assistance and funding are available to help protect communities from flooding. Cook County municipalities, townships, and governmental organizations can apply below.

Apply now

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

Field Day addresses nutrient stewardship via collaboration with Smits Farm

September 26, 2024

MWRD scientists, farmers and specialty crop producers discussed research and practices for beneficial use of resources.

MWRD’s Climate Action Plan receives international acclaim

September 24, 2024

The IWA Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme honored the MWRD for its Climate Action Plan, placing it among the top three finalists under the Achiever category.

MWRD Board promotes urban agriculture for its multiple benefits, emphasizing its potential to help reduce flooding

September 20, 2024

MWRD programs such as the Green Infrastructure Partnership Program and the Real Estate Program can help provide resources through local partnerships to support urban agriculture, such as community gardens.

“For Chicago’s first urban festival, birders flock to unlikely city spots,” Chicago Tribune

September 18, 2024

The city’s first-ever Urban Birding Festival last weekend brought together a vibrant community of over 450 birders from Chicago and beyond.

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Projects

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.

Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP)

The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan is a system of deep, large diameter tunnels and vast reservoir designed to reduce flooding, improve water quality in Chicago area waterways and protect Lake Michigan from pollution caused by sewer overflows.

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