Chicago Tribune: Letters to the editor — Kari K. Steele, president, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Imagine starting your day in Chicago or a Cook County suburb and turning on the faucet, only for no water to come out. For many of us, that sounds unimaginable. But for some Cook County residents, especially in neighborhoods facing flooding, aging pipes or lead concerns, the challenges around water are already real and constant.

On Oct. 16, we participated in Imagine a Day Without Water, a national day of action reminding us that water connects us all. It’s a moment to reflect on how essential water is to our health, our communities and our shared future and to recognize that maintaining those systems takes ongoing care, investment and partnership.

Here in Cook County, we have one of the most complex and historic water systems in the country. Much of it was built more than a century ago and has served generations of families and businesses. But as our climate changes and storms grow more intense, that infrastructure is under new strain. Too often, that burden falls hardest on neighborhoods that have already faced decades of disinvestment and environmental challenges.

At the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, we see firsthand how collaboration can make a difference. We’ve made important progress in reducing pollution, improving stormwater management and expanding green infrastructure — projects such as rain gardens, bioswales and permeable pavement that reduce flooding and make neighborhoods more livable. But this work takes all of us, residents, local governments, labor partners, community groups, and our state and federal allies, pulling in the same direction.

The good news is that progress is happening. Through efforts such as Rebuild Illinois and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, our state is investing in infrastructure that keeps our water clean and our communities safe. These projects not only repair pipes and sewers, but also create good jobs and provide opportunities for residents to be part of building a stronger, more sustainable region.

Still, there’s more to do. Expanding green infrastructure can also help neighborhoods better manage heavy rain, reduce heat and create beautiful shared spaces for everyone to enjoy. Every family, in every community, deserves safe, clean water and protection from flooding.

Let’s commit to working together, to support one another, to share knowledge and resources, and to build a Cook County where every resident can count on clean, reliable water. Because water isn’t just a resource; it’s a shared responsibility and a promise we make to each other.

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