The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) continues to monitor the information we are receiving about the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  The MWRD is following the guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). We’re also consulting with local agencies like the Chicago Department of Public Health, international water professionals, and utility and technology partners in the water sector. 

To help slow the transmission of COVID-19, MWRD employees not directly involved with performing our critical missions of treating wastewater and managing stormwater have been placed on call and will be telecommuting until further notice. Our wastewater treatment plants will continue to be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in order to protect the health and safety of the residents of Cook County, protect Lake Michigan, and protect businesses and homes from flooding. 

Protecting the health and safety of our employees and the public is also a top priority. Thus, effective immediately, all business travel outside of the MWRD’s service area has been suspended until further notice.  Additionally, all MWRD educational outreach activities – including facility tours, speaking engagements, and staff participation in fairs and other community events, have also been canceled until further notice. We will continue to post any additional cancellations as we continue to monitor the CDC’s recommendations.

Thank you for your support in our efforts to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.  For the latest MWRD news and information regarding the virus, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, or join our email list. 

Please read our fact sheets for additional information concerning the MWRD’s management and treatment of wastewater. 

WMO Electronic Permit Application Intake Process

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the mandate to work remotely, the MWRD now offers an electronic permit application intake process. This system will accept new plan applications and documents. To learn more, click here. 

Resources to help minimize the spread of COVID-19

The CDC continues to recommend the following:

Additional COVID-19 News and Information

City of Chicago

Cook County

State of Illinois

United States

Water Industry

Research and News