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's Annual Message - 2024

Dec 04, 2024

Overview of MWRD achievements in stormwater management, wastewater treatment, climate change accountability, and fiscal responsibility.

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

"President Kari K. Steele serves third, 6-year term as MWRD Commissioner," Chicago Crusader

December 13, 2024

President Steele enters her third term on the Board, having been first elected in 2012. In January 2019, she became the first African American woman in the history of the MWRD to be elected by the Board to serve as president.

"New climate tech patent enables faster reduction of total dissolved solids in wastewater," Smart Water Magazine

December 12, 2024

The method and technology patented is a renewable energy solution using GWT’s revolving algal biofilm (RAB™️) system for cost-effective and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment.

"Monarch Butterfly One Step Closer to Endangered Species Listing. What Does It Mean, and What Happens Next?," WTTW Chicago

December 12, 2024

The news was cheered by supporters of the endangered status, including the Center for Biological Diversity, which was among a coalition of organizations that sued Fish and Wildlife to make a decision about the butterfly’s status.

"Cook County allocates $2.5 million to help suburban municipalities recover from July storms," Daily Southtown

December 11, 2024

Municipalities can apply for reimbursement to cover expenses incurred as part of disaster response and recovery efforts following the storms from July 14 to 16.

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