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 - 2023

Dec 07, 2023

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

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

MWRD President Kari K. Steele, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn partner with Cook County officials to host community service day in Markham

July 25, 2024

Partners will host a Drug Take-Back, Electronics Recycling, and Document Shredding Event

Ribbon-Cutting ceremony to celebrate North Creek Flood Relief Project completion

July 24, 2024

The project involved constructing a new culvert for North Creek to alleviate flooding and safeguard 56 residential structures in the vicinity of Flanagin Park.

“North Riverside debuts green parking lots for village buildings,” Riverside-Brookfield Landmark

July 19, 2024

The six new parking lots can capture up to 539,000 gallons of water at a time that could otherwise run into residents’ basements, village sewers or the Des Plaines River during heavy rain or snow events.

North Riverside expands its green footprint thanks to MWRD support

July 16, 2024

The installation is one of the MWRD’s largest Green Infrastructure Partnership Program projects, converting six asphalt lots into permeable pavement, covering 71,000 square feet, designed to capture up to 539,000 gallons of water each time it rains.

View all news

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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