Community Engagement
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The MWRD provides tours at our water reclamation plants (WRPs), attends community events and gives presentations throughout Cook County. We are enthusiastic to get the word out about our work and to provide residents with information and resources they can use to help reduce flooding and water pollution, improve water quality and better understand sewers, wastewater treatment and stormwater management. Our three community engagement opportunities are educational speakers, community event representatives and tours of our facilities.
Educational Speakers
The MWRD provides in-person and virtual presentations about our work and areas of responsibility for all ages. We provide speakers for K-12 career days or fairs and STEM-related events. Request an education speaker for your group by filling out the form. Please submit requests at least three weeks in advance.
Our presentations include subjects such as:
- Overview of the MWRD
- Careers in water
- History of water in the Chicago region, including reversing the river
- How sewers work
- The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, also known as the Deep Tunnel
- How wastewater treatment works
- Recovering resources from wastewater
- Stormwater management flood control
- Green infrastructure
- What you can do to protect water quality and reduce flooding
Community Event Representatives
The MWRD attends community and special events throughout Cook County, including back-to-school and environmental fairs, farmers markets, municipality events and community festivals. We provide free resources for all ages to learn about wastewater treatment, flood reduction, water quality improvements and how residents can help. Request an MWRD community event representative for your event by filling out the form.
Tour our facilities
The MWRD offers in-person and virtual tours. Group tours are scheduled by appointment only at our seven water reclamation plants (WRPs). Watch a one-hour recorded tour or register for a live virtual tour.