While the issue has not risen to the level of the city’s failed response to the 1979 blizzard, when poor snow removal helped sweep Jane Byrne into power, flooding has clearly struck a chord with impacted Chicagoans.

The Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain, dedicated in 1989, was commissioned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the MWRD. Named in honor of Melas, who served as president of the MWRD for nearly two decades, the fountain is a celebration of the organization's history as well as a tribute to Chicago's ongoing efforts to manage and protect its vital water resources.

The MWRD says treated wastewater from its Calumet plant could be redirected to data centers — potentially reducing how much drinking water those facilities consume each day.

Venetian Night returns this fall, bringing an evening of music, waterfront dining and illuminated boats to the Chicago Riverwalk. Presented by the Italian American Human Relations Foundation of Chicago (IAHRF), Venetian Night 2026 will celebrate the romance and tradition of Venice while showcasing Chicago’s spectacular riverfront.

For The Love of Water (FLOW) is a summary of news from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.